Jewish settlers enter Al-Aqsa in force for Hanukkah

Dozens of Jewish settlers accompanied by Israeli security personnel forced their way into Jerusalem's flashpoint Al-Aqsa Mosque on Thursday, according to a Palestinian official."More than 200 settlers backed by Israeli police have forced their way into the Al-Aqsa compound -- via the Al-Mugharbeh Gate -- since morning," Firas al-Dibs, a spokesman for Jerusalem's Islamic Waqf Authority, said in a statement.

 "Settlers inspected the compound, passing by the Al-Qibali and Dome of the Rock mosques, where they attempted to perform Talmudic rituals," he added."But they were prevented from doing so by the compound's Palestinian guards," al-Dibs said.

Dozens of Jewish settlers accompanied by Israeli security personnel forced their way into Jerusalem's flashpoint Al-Aqsa Mosque on Wednesday, according to a local source."More than 100 extremist Israeli settlers broke into the holy mosque on two separate occasions," the source, preferring anonymity for security reasons, told Anadolu Agency.Palestinian officials say they expect more settler incursions into the holy site during the eight-day Jewish Hanukkah holiday, which began Tuesday and runs until Dec. 20.

In late 2015, repeated incursions into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound by Jewish settlers and Israeli security personnel sparked a months-long spate of Israeli-Palestinian violence.Referred to by some as the "Third Intifada" or "Jerusalem Uprising", this wave of unrest -- which left 160 Palestinians and 26 Israelis dead -- tapered out early last year amid a massive Israeli security crackdown.Israel occupied East Jerusalem -- in which the Al-Aqsa is located -- during the 1967 Middle East War. It annexed the entire city in 1980 in a move which was never recognized by the international community.European media cover Istanbul declaration on JerusalemUS: OIC declaration may lead to major shifts in regionAccording to the spokesman, hundreds more Jewish settlers are expected to force their way into the flashpoint holy site -- sacred to both Muslims and Jews -- during the eight-day Jewish

Hanukkah holiday, which began Tuesday.No more settler incursions are expected until Thursday evening, however, since the Al-Mugharbeh Gate has been temporarily closed by the Israeli authorities.In late 2015, repeated incursions into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound by Jewish settlers and Israeli security personnel sparked a months-long spate of Israeli-Palestinian violence.

Referred to by some as the "Third Intifada" or "Jerusalem Uprising", this wave of unrest -- which left 160 Palestinians and 26 Israelis dead -- tapered out early last year amid a massive Israeli security crackdown.

Israeli agents dressed as Palestinians by using keffiyehs, a black and white scarf that symbolizes nationalism, and Palestinian flags as bandanas in order to neutralize protestors who gathered in reaction to U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.Palestinians took to the streets in Jerusalem, Nablus, Ramallah, al-Khalil (Hebron) and Gaza to protest the U.S. move. The Israeli agents were spotted in protests in Ramallah, the West Bank.The agents arrested three protestors as Israeli security personnel shot tear gas and stun grenades at the crowds.The agents aimed to neutralize the crowd and gain control of the protestors. One of the agents can be seen holding a protestor by the neck and firing into the air with his gun.Video:

Israeli agents spotted among Palestinian protestorsTensions mountTension has mounted across the West Bank and Gaza Strip since U.S. President Donald Trump announced his decision last week to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital.On Wednesday, over 140 Palestinians were injured during the clashes in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, including seven by live ammunition and 25 others with rubber bullets.In recent days, rallies have been held across Palestine, sparking clashes with Israeli forces.Jerusalem remains at the heart of the Israel-Palestine conflict, with

Palestinians hoping that East Jerusalem, occupied by Israel in 1967, might eventually serve as the capital of a Palestinian state.Galeri: Israeli agents disguised as Palestinians attack protestorsRecent days have seen tensions mount across the occupied Palestinian territories following U.S. President Donald Trump's decision last week to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

Thousands of Palestinians have staged demonstrations across the West Bank, triggering numerous clashes with Israeli forces. At least two protesters have already been martyred while hundreds more have suffered injuries.

Jerusalem remains at the heart of the Israel-Palestine conflict, with Palestinians hoping East Jerusalem -- occupied by Israel in 1967 -- might eventually serve as the capital of a Palestinian state.