LONDON: The Palestinian Authority has reported that 4,397 settlers stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque in East Jerusalem in January.

The Jerusalem Governorate said that the figure indicated a significant escalation by Israeli settlers in their attempts to establish a new status quo while undermining the historic and legal status of the sacred site.

Settlers were sometimes accompanied by Israeli government officials, including the far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. In addition, 7,868 other individuals were permitted by Israeli authorities to enter the site in the “tourism” category, according to the WAFA News Agency.

The governorate reported that settlers had distributed Jewish prayer leaflets during tours, performed dances, and conducted the “epic prostration” ritual.

Israel’s Knesset has also sought to limit Muslim worshippers’ access to Al-Aqsa Mosque during Ramadan.

The governorate said: “These actions constitute a direct violation of the historical and legal status quo and represent an overt attempt to impose Israeli sovereignty over Al-Aqsa Mosque.”

The governorate also recorded in January 86 demolitions and leveling of homes and structures in Jerusalem belonging to Palestinians. The number includes five forced demolitions and 79 carried out by Israeli machinery, in addition to two land-leveling operations targeting agricultural lands.