Al-Aqsa Desecrated: Over 2,000 Israeli Settlers Storm Mosque Under Heavy Military Escort, Chant Genocidal Slogans

Jerusalem, June 13, 2025 — In a shocking escalation of provocation and violence, more than 2,100 Israeli settlers, led by far-right minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and senior rabbis, forcefully stormed the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque at first light today. In scenes described by Palestinian witnesses as deeply sacrilegious, the settlers danced, chanted, and attempted to smuggle religious objects into the holy site — all under the full protection of thousands of Israeli occupation forces.

The act, which began under the guise of the so-called “Flag March,” once again violated the sanctity of Islam’s third holiest site. In preparation for the event, the Israeli occupation transformed the entire city of Al-Quds (Jerusalem) into what residents likened to a military barracks.

Heavily armed forces erected iron barricades at Bab Al-Amoud (Damascus Gate), and erected dozens of checkpoints to choke Palestinian access. The sweeping security lockdown effectively allowed the settler march to proceed unopposed, while systematically excluding Jerusalemites from their own city.

As the Flag March unfolded, settlers surged down Yafa Street toward the Old City, waving Israeli flags and chanting hateful slogans. Among the most disturbing were calls for ethnic cleansing: “Let’s flatten Gaza to the ground,” “Let Shuafat burn,” and “Mohammad is dead.” At Damascus Gate, they unfurled banners declaring, “67 — Al-Quds is in our grip, 2025 — Gaza is in our grip,” and “Without a Nakba, there is no victory” — a chilling reference to the 1948 catastrophe that saw the mass displacement of Palestinians.

Throughout the day, violent acts continued as settlers, emboldened by state protection, assaulted Palestinian residents and targeted journalists covering the events in the narrow alleys of the Old City. Videos circulated online showed settler mobs taunting locals and chasing press crews, as Israeli police looked on or joined in the brutality.

Human rights observers have condemned the apparent impunity granted to these groups. Sheikh Ikrima Sabri, the esteemed preacher of Al-Aqsa Mosque, issued a powerful statement in the face of the desecration.

“Each year, the occupation flaunts its power through these marches and the raising of Israeli flags to provoke and dominate,” he said. “Al-Quds is a sacred trust — and neglecting it is not an option.” He warned that allowing such acts inside the Old City threatens not just spiritual peace, but political stability as well.

Today’s events — from the storming of Al-Aqsa to the racist chants and physical assaults — reflect the disturbing trajectory of Israel’s ongoing occupation. Through desecration, provocation, and open incitement, the occupation seeks to assert total domination over Jerusalem.

The international community, observers say, can no longer afford silence in the face of such escalating incitement and calls for ethnic cleansing.