A Palestinian ministry has reported a sharp increase in Israeli actions at major religious sites in occupied East Jerusalem and the West Bank during June 2026.
According to the Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs, Israeli forces raided the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound 26 times over the month, while thousands of settlers—reportedly 4,212—entered the site under police protection via the Mughrabi Gate during organised visits.
The ministry also said that settler groups performed religious rituals inside the compound, including collective prayers and other practices, and called for intensified incursions to establish a “new reality” at the mosque. Restrictions on Palestinian worshippers were also tightened, particularly during Friday prayers, with increased security measures at mosque entrances and disruptions during sermons.
In Hebron, the Ibrahimi Mosque faced further restrictions, with the call to prayer reportedly blocked 84 times. Around 950 Israeli soldiers were recorded entering the site in June. Authorities also kept key gates closed, restricted access for staff, and maintained long-standing physical changes to the mosque structure, including covered windows and a newly installed roof over its courtyard.
The report added that mosque officials were detained and barred from the site for nearly two weeks, while attacks on other West Bank mosques were also documented, including arson incidents and settler intrusions.
The ministry urged international intervention to protect Islamic holy sites and preserve their legal and historical status.
