More than 500 settlers stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on Thursday, under heavy protection from Israeli occupation police. This occurred on the anniversary of Israel's so-called "Independence Day," which coincides with the Nakba (catastrophe) of the Palestinian people according to the Hebrew calendar.

A Beit Al-Maqdis News correspondent reported that 515 settlers stormed the mosque during the morning and afternoon periods, from the Mughrabi Gate, and carried out provocative tours inside its courtyards.

The raids witnessed blatant violations, including the raising of Israeli flags inside the mosque, some of which were placed on baby strollers. In addition, public group prayers were performed, including prostration, loud singing, and clapping, amid a widespread deployment of occupation forces around the mosque to protect the settlers.

Earlier this morning, extremist "Temple" groups distributed Israeli flags to settlers at the Mughrabi Gate as part of their preparations for the raids. This followed extensive propaganda campaigns calling for participation in the event through various advertisements and platforms.

In contrast, the occupation authorities imposed strict restrictions on the entry of Palestinian worshippers to Al-Aqsa Mosque, preventing many of them from reaching its courtyards during the raid.

In the same context, the occupation authorities organized an air show featuring military helicopters in the skies over Jerusalem as part of their annual activities. This was followed by the illumination of the Old City walls from the Hebron Gate, and the hanging of Israeli flags in the streets and neighborhoods surrounding the city.

It is noteworthy that the number of settlers who stormed Al-Aqsa Mosque on the same occasion last year reached 526, compared to 474 the year before.