Gaza Herald – More than 1,300 settlers invaded the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on Wednesday under heavy protection from Israeli occupation forces. The incursions occurred on the fifth day of what is referred to as the Jewish “Sukkot” festival. Former Knesset member Moshe Feiglin led Talmudic rituals within the mosque grounds, carrying what are known as plant-based offerings.
Jerusalem sources reported that exactly 1,317 settlers entered the site. Footage documented Feiglin performing the “Four Species” ritual in the eastern section of the mosque. These ceremonies are linked to the biblical “Feast of Tabernacles.” Zeid Abu Heish, a researcher specializing in Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa affairs, stated that Feiglin completed the full performance of the “plant-based offerings” ritual.
Abu Heish explained that this involved waving fruits and pointing them in four directions, followed by upward and downward gestures. He noted that according to religious interpretations, this act symbolizes presenting fruits at the “dwelling place of the Lord.” Performing it inside Al-Aqsa serves to consolidate the belief that the mosque is the location of the alleged Temple.
The activities extended beyond carrying plant types. Prayers, hymns, and singing circles continued throughout the courtyards. Talmudic rituals were also conducted in the eastern area. Some invaders recited passages from the Book of Psalms, including Chapter 118. This text contains religious phrases discussing the elimination of those surrounding the speaker.
Abu Heish argued that the participation of Israeli political figures like Feiglin grants these rituals political cover. This involvement pushes the practice from limited individual acts to an organized public spectacle. The escalation coincides with tightened measures by occupation police around the mosque and the Old City. Authorities closed the road leading to the Silwan entrance and the Tariq Bab al-Silsila route to secure settler access to the Western Wall.
These invasions represent a continuous escalation since the start of Sukkot on September 26. Recent days saw the introduction of plant-based offerings, prayers, and group singing inside the compound. On Tuesday, 966 settlers had previously invaded. Palestinian authorities fear the exploitation of Jewish holiday seasons to impose further religious rituals and alter the status quo.
This report was produced in the Gaza Herald newsroom.
