Dozens of settlers stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on Wednesday under the strict protection of Israeli police.

The settlers performed religious rituals on the tour of the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque, in violation of the longstanding status-quo at the holy site that prevents Jewish prayer.

Settler groups have been touring the Al-Aqsa compound with increasing frequency in recent years, reaching a near-daily basis. Entrance to Jews is forbidden on Friday and Saturday.