JERUSALEM: Thousands of Jewish worshippers gathered at Jerusalem’s Western Wall ahead of Yom Kippur, Judaism’s holiest day, while Israeli settlers also entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, according to Palestinian and Israeli sources.
Yom Kippur, also known as the Day of Atonement, began on Sunday evening, September 20, and continues until Monday evening. The religious observance traditionally includes prayer, fasting and reflection over a period of about 25 hours.
The Western Wall saw large gatherings in the days leading up to the holiday. The Western Wall Heritage Foundation said about 150,000 people attended the final Selichot prayer service on Saturday night, with worshippers filling the plaza and surrounding areas in Jerusalem’s Old City.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and several ministers also joined worshippers at the Western Wall plaza under heavy security. Palestinian officials said thousands of Israelis entered the area amid heightened security arrangements.
Meanwhile, the Jerusalem Governorate said around 100 Israeli settlers entered the courtyards of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on Sunday under Israeli police protection. According to the governorate, some participants performed Jewish religious rituals inside the compound.
The incidents have added to tensions surrounding Jerusalem’s most sensitive religious sites, particularly during major Jewish holidays. Palestinian officials have repeatedly raised concerns over such visits and called for the existing arrangements governing access and worship at Al-Aqsa to be maintained.
Yom Kippur is observed by Jewish communities worldwide through fasting, prayer and religious reflection. In Israel, the holiday is also marked by widespread disruption to normal commercial activity and road traffic as many people observe the fast and remain at home or in synagogues.
