3 worshippers detained from Al-Aqsa, allegedly taken to unknown location

Israeli forces have detained three worshippers, including two women, from the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem. They have been allegedly taken to an “unknown location.”

According to the Palestinian News Agency, the two women were detained from inside the mosque compound on Sunday. No clear information was available on where they were later taken.

The Jerusalem Governorate said that Raed Jagir, the head of the Al-Aqsa Mosque’s cleaning department, was also detained in the same incident. He was on duty inside the mosque.

Hours before the incident, Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir entered the mosque compound under heavy police security. The arrests came shortly after his visit, further heightening tensions.

Palestinians have long complained of increasing restrictions and arrests on worshippers at the Al-Aqsa compound. Since 2003, Israeli authorities have been allowing Jews to enter the compound, which has intensified the dispute.

Al-Aqsa is the third holiest site in the world for Muslims. On the other hand, Jews claim the site as the 'Temple Mount'. This has been a long-standing dispute.

Palestinians allege that Israel is taking planned steps to erase their presence and religious identity in East Jerusalem. They want East Jerusalem to be the capital of a future state.

It is worth noting that the occupation of East Jerusalem in 1967 and its subsequent annexation are not internationally recognized. In this context, any incident centered on Al-Aqsa is creating new tensions in the Middle East.