Hundreds of settlers stormed the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque today, Monday, under the protection of the Israeli occupation forces.

The Jerusalem News Agency correspondent reported that 479 settlers stormed Al-Aqsa Mosque today, in a number that is the highest since the beginning of this month.

The number of intruders is expected to gradually increase starting today (the beginning of the Hebrew month) and ending on Tuesday, August 13, which coincides with what is known as the “anniversary of the destruction of the Temple.”

The settlers call the days preceding the anniversary of the alleged destruction of the Temple the nine-day mourning, during which Jews practice several rituals such as abstaining from bathing, washing clothes, and buying new property.