The Jerusalem Foundation said its monthly report documented a series of developments at Al-Aqsa Mosque during July, describing them as unprecedented measures that, according to the organization, reflect efforts to impose new realities at the holy site.
The report said thousands of Israeli settlers entered the mosque compound during the month and performed religious rituals and prayers with what it described as official Israeli support and participation.
According to the report, more than 9,670 Israeli settlers entered the compound throughout July.
Report Highlights July as a Turning Point
The foundation said developments culminated during events marking Tisha B'Av on July 23, when 4,288 settlers entered the compound.
It described the day as witnessing unprecedented actions that, according to the organization, were linked to efforts to establish temporal and spatial divisions within the mosque.
The report listed several incidents recorded during the month, including:
Two settlers announcing their engagement inside the mosque compound.
The performance of Jewish religious prayers and rituals.
Displaying Israeli flags.
The use of religious symbols associated with Jewish tradition.
Conducting tours accompanied by religious songs and prayers.
Wearing tefillin during visits.
Participation by Israeli officials, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
Bringing stones into the compound, reportedly linked to claims regarding the construction of a future temple.
Marking stones in the eastern section of the compound with religious symbols.
Installing a temporary shelter for visitors in the eastern area.
The report also said worshippers' access to the mosque was restricted during the July 23 visits, initially allowing entry only to those over the age of 75, before the minimum age was later raised to 85.
According to the foundation, Israeli forces also informed some Muslim worshippers that the day was "designated for Jews" and instructed them to leave the compound, describing the move as part of what it sees as efforts to impose temporal division at the site.
Concerns Over Bab al-Rahma
The report also highlighted developments involving Bab al-Rahma Prayer Hall, saying Israeli police entered the site, removed worshippers, and continued entering the prayer hall while wearing shoes despite it being carpeted.
According to the foundation, these actions reflect continued efforts to assert control over the area.
The organization said that since Bab al-Rahma was reopened to worshippers on April 9, police actions have included:
Frequent entries into the prayer hall while wearing shoes.
Restricting or removing worshippers from the site.
Disconnecting the hall's loudspeakers from the mosque's central sound system.
The foundation linked these measures to broader concerns over attempts to reduce the Muslim presence at Bab al-Rahma and what it described as efforts to establish a permanent spatial division within Al-Aqsa Mosque.
It also noted that Bab al-Rahma appeared in an Israeli map published in 2013 as the center of an area that, according to the report, was envisioned for future Jewish use.
The report added that developments around Bab al-Rahma coincide with activities in nearby locations, including the Dome of Imam al-Ghazali and Dar al-Hadith al-Sharif, as well as continued visits by Israeli settlers to the eastern courtyard of Al-Aqsa Mosque, where religious rituals have been performed.