Warnings of 'compensatory incursions' into Al-Aqsa and settlement attempts to introduce sacrifices

Dozens of extremist settlers stormed the courtyards of the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque this Wednesday morning, under heavy protection from the Israeli occupation police. These incursions come amidst intensive calls from alleged Temple groups to carry out large-scale incursions tomorrow, Thursday, in what is known as a 'compensatory incursion' coinciding with the upcoming Jewish holidays.

Sources in the Islamic Endowments Department in occupied Jerusalem reported that about 176 settlers violated the mosque during the morning period, carrying out provocative tours in its precincts. Among the intruders was the head of the National Security Committee in the Knesset, Zvika Fogel, a member of the far-right 'Jewish Power' party, reflecting the official political cover for these violations.

The sources documented Fogel taking souvenir photos in front of the mosque's landmarks accompanied by Rabbi Elisha Wolfsohn, head of the 'Temple Mount Religious School'. Wolfsohn is considered one of the most incitement-prone figures who regularly storm Al-Aqsa and give daily Talmudic lessons within its courtyards, with the aim of entrenching Jewish presence in the place.

For his part, Jerusalem affairs researcher Ziad Abhais warned of the danger of the coming days, especially with the advent of the so-called Jewish 'Feast of Weeks' next Friday. Abhais explained that settlers are planning a compensatory incursion tomorrow, Thursday, given that the mosque is not open for incursions on Fridays and Saturdays, which increases the pace of mobilization.

Abhais pointed to hidden intentions to try to impose 'sacrifice' rituals inside Al-Aqsa, whether plant or animal, by smuggling freshly slaughtered meat. These attempts come in the context of extremist groups' efforts to transform the mosque into a spiritual 'temple' by performing full Talmudic rituals in its courtyards.

The 'Feast of Weeks' or 'Shavuot' is known in the Jewish narrative as the holiday of the giving of the Torah and the beginning of the harvest season, historically linked to the idea of returning to the land. This holiday has gained increasing importance for the Zionist project, as it is linked to agricultural settlements and the reinforcement of the Talmudic narrative about the city of Jerusalem.

Statistics issued by the Endowments Department indicate a worrying escalation in the number of intruders during this holiday over the past four years. In 2025, the mosque recorded 985 settler incursions, the highest number compared to 668 settlers in 2024, and 354 in 2023, showing a dangerous upward trend.

Last year, settlers succeeded in smuggling parts of an animal sacrifice and scattering them near the Dome of the Chain, in an attempt to simulate 'altar' rituals. Surveillance cameras and eyewitnesses also observed settlers scattering bread dipped in wine and pouring water in the same area, as part of provocative Talmudic rituals.

Observers believe that linking the 'Feast of Weeks' with the idea of sacrifice aims to emphasize the full sovereignty of the occupation over Al-Aqsa Mosque and change its Islamic identity. Jerusalemite researchers warned that these practices are not merely religious rituals, but political tools for replacement and spatial and temporal control over the mosque.

In a related context, the International Jerusalem Foundation affirmed that Al-Aqsa Mosque is going through a critical stage that directly threatens its architectural and historical identity. The Foundation said in a statement that the occupation seeks to end the historical Jordanian role in managing the mosque, and impose an actual police administration that controls all details of entry and exit.

The Foundation explained that the absence of real deterrence encourages Temple groups to go further in gradual Judaization steps, exploiting unprecedented government support. It considered that the equation of popular 'ribat' (steadfastness) remains the only obstacle to the implementation of Israeli plans aimed at radically changing the status quo.

The Foundation sent warning messages to the Jordanian authorities, indicating that their Hashemite guardianship over the holy sites is threatened with actual removal and termination on the ground. It called for the adoption of new strategic options based on popular support in Jerusalem, Amman, and the Arab and Islamic worlds to confront this encroachment.

'Shavuot' is considered the third occasion targeted by Temple organizations during this May, after 'Second Passover' and 'Jerusalem Unification Day'. On both occasions, the mosque witnessed massive compensatory incursions accompanied by the raising of Israeli flags and public prayers in blatant defiance of Muslim sentiments.

A state of extreme tension prevails in occupied Jerusalem, where occupation forces impose strict restrictions on the entry of Palestinian worshipers to secure settler routes. Palestinian calls continue to travel to Al-Aqsa and remain steadfast there tomorrow, Thursday, to confront attempts to desecrate it and thwart plans to introduce sacrifices.

Al-Aqsa Mosque stands on the threshold of moving towards direct liquidation steps of its identity and architecture, and is on the verge of ending the historical Jordanian role in it.