Israeli ultra-nationalists plan Al-Aqsa raid, risking further violence

Israeli ultra-nationalists, including settlers, are planning a large-scale storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque on Sunday, amid Palestinian calls to mobilise at the occupied East Jerusalem site. 

The planned storming, organised by far-right groups and in coordination with Israeli forces, will take place between around 7am to 10am local time, then again at 1:30pm, to mark the Jewish holiday of Tisha B’av. 

Despite concerns that provocative tours by Israeli settlers in Al-Aqsa Mosque could escalate violence, Israeli police do not intend to stop the planned stormings tomorrow, according to Israeli media. 

However, the situation could change by Sunday, security sources told the Israeli daily Haaretz.