Jerusalem: Israeli forces briefly closed the King Faisal Gate, one of the entrances to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem, during military drills. This action was reported by Palestinian officials on Tuesday.

According to Anadolu Agency, the Palestinian official news agency Wafa, citing local sources, stated that Israeli forces closed all entrances to the mosque compound while conducting military exercises. A statement from the Jerusalem Governorate confirmed that the King Faisal Gate was closed for about 30 minutes during these drills inside the mosque compound.

The governorate also reported that Israeli forces tightened restrictions at the compound's other gates, causing disruptions for worshippers entering and leaving the site during the closure. This measure is the latest in a series of escalating Israeli actions at the holy site.

A report released Sunday by the Palestinian Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs indicated that Israeli forces conducted 26 incursions into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in June. Palestinians have expressed concerns that Israel is intensifying efforts to Judaize occupied East Jerusalem, including the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, and diminish its Arab and Islamic identity.

The Palestinians view occupied East Jerusalem as the capital of their future state, aligning with international resolutions that do not recognize Israel's occupation of the city in 1967 or its subsequent annexation in 1980.