RAMALLAH, June 3, 2017 (WAFA) – A sharp rise in number of Jewish fanatics who entered and toured the Muslim holy compound, Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem‘s Old City, in May compared to the same month a year ago, a research center said on Saturday.

According to the Ramallah-based Al-Quds Center for the Study of Israeli and Palestinian Affairs, a total of 3156 Jews, including settlers, soldiers in uniform and orthodox Jews, toured Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, which houses Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the  Rock, two of the holiest sites in Islam, compared to 850 in May of last year.

It attributed the rise to the occurrence of Jewish holidays during May as well as marking 50 years for Israel’s occupation of East Jerusalem.

Jews believe Al-Aqsa compound was the location of the destroyed Jewish temples, a claim strongly rejected by Muslims, and fanatics are hoping to one day build a Jewish temple on the ruins of the mosque.

Palestinians have warned that any change in the status of the mosque could usher in a religious strife.

M.K.