Netanyahu storms Al-Aqsa Mosque compound for Hanukkah
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- 'Israeli' Prime Minister visits Western Wall in occupied East Jerusalem.
- Palestinian authorities denounce the visit as provocative.
- Hundreds of settlers reportedly entered Al-Aqsa Mosque complex.
'Israeli' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem on Tuesday to mark the Jewish Hanukkah holiday, drawing condemnation from Palestinian authorities.
The Jerusalem Governorate called Netanyahu’s visit to the mosque’s Western Wall (Al-Buraq Wall) “a new provocative move.” The site is considered sacred by both Muslims and Jews, forming part of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound.
Netanyahu’s office shared photographs of the premier and several officials, including US Ambassador Mike Huckabee, at the flashpoint site. The eight-day Hanukkah celebration runs from December 14 to December 22.
- Settler access sparks concern -
Since Monday, Palestinian authorities reported that at least 210 'Israeli' settlers entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex to mark the holiday. The compound is the world’s third-holiest site for Muslims, while Jews refer to the area as the Temple Mount, historically home to two ancient Jewish temples.
'Israel' occupied East Jerusalem during the 1967 Arab-'Israeli' War and annexed the city in 1980, a move not recognized internationally. Visits by 'Israeli' leaders to the Al-Aqsa site frequently raise tensions and provoke international concern.
