Palestinian shopkeepers ordered to close around Al-Aqsa Mosque
A total of 1,792 Israeli settlers entered Al-Aqsa Mosque in East Jerusalem on Sept. 28, the third day of the Sukkot holiday. The Jerusalem Governorate said the settlers entered through the Mughrabi Gate under Israeli police protection in two separate morning and afternoon sessions. Earlier in the day, the number had been reported at more than 1,200.
At the same time, dozens of Palestinian shopkeepers were asked to close their businesses. The closure order was issued to allow Jews to worship.
Commercial activity in the area halted
The measure led Palestinian shopkeepers around Al-Aqsa Mosque to temporarily close their shops, halting commercial activity in the area. The Jerusalem Governorate said Palestinian businesses in the Old City face a deepening economic crisis since the Gaza war began in October 2023, squeezed by the drop in tourism and by restrictions and closures during Jewish holidays.
Ben-Gvir joins Talmudic rituals in the courtyards
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir also entered the courtyards under police protection and took part in Talmudic rituals, with footage showing him dancing there. The governorate said some settlers carried plant offerings and performed the “Musaf” prayer associated with the so-called Temple Mount, calling the practices an attempt to impose a new religious status on Al-Aqsa and a violation of its historical and legal status.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz took part in the “Priestly Blessing” ritual at the Western Wall (Al-Buraq Wall). During the holiday celebrations, Israeli forces closed the gates of the Omar Mosque in the Old City, and tight security measures around Jerusalem caused heavy traffic.
Eight Palestinians detained in Jerusalem governorate
Israeli forces detained eight Palestinians on Monday in raids on the towns of Abu Dis, Al-Ram and Biddu in the Jerusalem governorate. Sukkot runs until Oct. 2; Palestinians say Israel has been stepping up measures aimed at changing the identity of East Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque.
