This morning, Thursday, extremist Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir led settlers storming the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque, under heavy guard from the occupation police, on the first day of the so-called Hebrew Festival of Lights, "Hanukkah."

Local sources reported that dozens of settlers, led by extremist Ben Gvir, stormed Al-Aqsa in groups from the Mughrabi Gate, and performed racist Talmudic rituals in its courtyards.

The same sources explained that the occupation deployed a special unit in the courtyards of Al-Aqsa to secure the storming and prevent worshipers from entering, coinciding with Ben Gvir's storming.

She pointed out that the occupation police tightened its military measures around the Old City of Jerusalem, and at the gates of Al-Aqsa Mosque, and hindered citizens from entering the courtyards of the sanctuary.

Extremist "Temple" groups have called for large-scale raids on Al-Aqsa Mosque during the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah on the 25th of this month.

Since the beginning of the comprehensive Israeli aggression against our people in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, in October 2023, the occupation forces have tightened their measures at the gates of Al-Aqsa Mosque and the entrances to the Old City.

The occupation exploits the Jewish holidays to embitter our people, in conjunction with major violations committed by the occupation forces, such as imposing a siege, tightening military measures at checkpoints, and obstructing citizens’ access to holy places.