• Jerusalem Governorate reported that settlers conducted provocative tours of Al-Aqsa courtyards and performed Talmudic ritual

Arab News

LONDON: Israeli settlers entered the courtyards of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in the walled city of occupied East Jerusalem on Wednesday, the fourth day of the Jewish Hanukkah holiday.

Settlers toured the compound with Israeli forces, who imposed strict restrictions to hinder Palestinian access to the holy site. The Palestinian Authority-affiliated Jerusalem Governorate reported that 689 settlers stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque in groups, conducting provocative tours of its courtyards and performing Talmudic rituals, according to Wafa news agency.

In the northern West Bank, Israeli forces shot four Palestinians during a raid in the city of Nablus on Wednesday. The Palestinian Red Crescent reported that the injuries included a gunshot wound to the chest, a knee injury, a shrapnel wound, and fragments lodged in the head.

Forces raided the Aqaba neighborhood in the walled city of Nablus, as well as the vicinities of Ras Al-Ain, Khan Al-Tikar and Al-Shuhada. The operation resulted in confrontations with Palestinians, during which Israeli forces used live bullets and tear gas.