Jewish settlers storm al-Aqsa compound, again

Dozens of Jewish settlers stormed Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on Sunday under protection from Israeli police, the Aqsa Foundation for Endowment and Heritage. At least 170 settlers accompanied by rabbis desecrated the holy site on four groups through Al-Magharbah gate and wandered its vicinities, the foundation, which is devoted to protecting Al-Aqsa's Arab and Islamic identity, said in a statement. It said that Yehuda Glick, head of the Temple Mount Heritage Foundation, was among the settlers and gave a presentation about the so-called Jewish temple. "The number of settlers is expected to increase," the foundation warned. Hundreds of Muslim worshippers have shouted in protest despite the Israeli restrictions, the statement said. Al-Aqsa mosque, one of Islam's third holiest shrines, has been the target of recent violations by Jewish settlers on an almost daily basis under the watchful eyes of Israeli police and army personnel. The Knesset (Israel's parliament) had earlier called for opening the mosque compound to Jews on all Jewish holidays. Jews refer to Al-Aqsa as the "Temple Mount," claiming the area had been the site of two Jewish temples in ancient times.