More than 500 Israeli settlers storm Al-Aqsa Mosque in large-scale incursion More than 500 Israeli settlers stormed Al-Aqsa Mosque courtyard in occupied East Jerusalem, Wafa news agency reported. The Jerusalem governorate said that hundreds of settlers stormed the courtyard under the protection of Israeli forces, performing Talmudic rituals and performing provocative tours. One of Islam’s holiest sites, Al-Aqsa Mosque is also a symbol of Palestinian national identity. Non-Muslims are allowed to visit the courtyard, but not pray there. The site is also considered sacred in Judaism. Groups of Israeli settlers regularly raid the courtyard under heavy police protection.