Tensions are escalating in Jerusalem as hundreds of Israeli settlers entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on Wednesday. This development coincides with continued demolition orders and the destruction of Palestinian structures in and around the city.
According to local Palestinian sources, 332 settlers entered the Al-Aqsa compound in two separate groups. The majority of the settlers entered during the morning hours, with the remainder entering in the afternoon. Additionally, 463 tourists reportedly accessed the site through the tourism gate controlled by Israeli authorities.
Meanwhile, Palestinian academic Jamal Amro, a specialist in Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa affairs, received a six-month ban from entering the mosque. This follows a previous one-week ban issued last week. Furthermore, the trial of two Palestinian women, Aida al-Sidawi and Hanadi al-Halwani, who are accused of violating administrative orders preventing them from entering Al-Aqsa and obstructing police work, has been postponed until January 14th.
In a separate incident, Israeli forces demolished a Palestinian farm in the town of Anata, east of Jerusalem, citing the lack of building permits. Obtaining such permits is reportedly nearly impossible for Palestinians in Jerusalem. A large iron factory at the entrance of the town was also demolished. This factory, representing a significant investment and a source of livelihood for numerous families, was destroyed.
Adding to the hardship, a Jerusalem resident in the town of Walaja, south of Jerusalem, received a notice to demolish his own home to avoid incurring exorbitant demolition costs if Israeli forces were to carry out the demolition themselves.
In the Old City, authorities have issued an administrative demolition order targeting a section of the Al-Aqsa School and Kindergarten located in the Sa’adiya neighborhood. The municipality has given the school administration one week to demolish the upper section of the building, which covers an area of 35 square meters.
