JERUSALEM, September 28, 2026 (WAFA) – Israeli occupation authorities today closed Maghariba Gate, one of the gates leading to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, after 1,731 colonists stormed its courtyards on the third day of the so-called Jewish “Sukkot” holiday.

Local sources said that the colonists stormed Al-Aqsa in successive groups under heavy protection from Israeli occupation police and performed Talmudic rituals and prayers in its courtyards, amid heightened military measures around the mosque and the Old City.

Since the morning, Israeli occupation authorities had closed several roads leading to the Old City and Al-Aqsa Mosque, including Bab al-Asbat Street, to secure the movement of colonists participating in the rituals, causing traffic congestion and restricting the movement of Jerusalemites.

The incursions come amid an ongoing escalation during Jewish holidays. On Sunday, around 1,500 colonists and rabbis stormed Al-Aqsa Mosque and performed rituals and Talmudic prayers, particularly near Bab al-Qattanin, while what are referred to as “plant offerings” were brought into its courtyards before Maghariba Gate was closed.

According to the Jerusalem Governorate, 40,661 colonists stormed Al-Aqsa Mosque from the beginning of the year through the end of August, while around 800 orders banning Jerusalemites from entering the mosque had been issued from the beginning of the year through early September.

T.R.