Settlers storm Aqsa Mosque compound amid Jerusalem flag march

• 'Israeli' Knesset member Ariel Kallner led the incursion during the annual flag march in occupied Jerusalem.
• Palestinian groups warned of escalating attempts to impose new restrictions at the holy site.

Settler groups stormed the courtyards of the Al-Aqsa Mosque on Thursday morning under heavy protection from 'Israeli' forces, according to Palestinian sources.

The settlers reportedly performed Talmudic rituals and full prostration in the eastern area of the mosque compound during the incursion.

The raid was led by Ariel Kallner and coincided with the start of the controversial “flag march” held in occupied Jerusalem to mark what 'Israeli' groups describe as the anniversary of the occupation of the city.

'Israeli' authorities also forced shop owners in Jerusalem’s Old City to shut down their businesses ahead of the march, while groups of settlers marched through Palestinian neighborhoods waving 'Israeli' flags and chanting slogans.

Researchers specializing in Jerusalem affairs warned that the latest developments could signal broader efforts to expand settler access to the holy site. They said the moves may begin with morning incursions, followed by attempts to impose evening entry periods and potentially allow incursions on Fridays, which would mark a major shift not seen since 1967.

The developments come amid heightened tensions in occupied Jerusalem and repeated warnings from Palestinian groups over increasing incursions into the mosque compound.

In a statement, Hamas said the incursions were taking place alongside measures targeting worshippers and Palestinians maintaining a presence at the site through restrictions and expulsion orders.

The movement called on Palestinians in Jerusalem, the occupied West Bank, and the occupied territories to head to Al-Aqsa Mosque and maintain their presence there to counter what it described as efforts to Judaize the site.

Hamas also urged Arab and Islamic countries to support Palestinians in Jerusalem amid ongoing 'Israeli' measures in the occupied city.