Jerusalem: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, several ministers, and thousands of Israeli occupiers entered the Western Wall plaza in occupied East Jerusalem amid tight security, the Jerusalem Governorate of Palestine said early Sunday.

According to Anadolu Agency, the governorate reported that the influx of thousands of Israeli occupiers into the plaza followed their passage through Wadi Street in the Old City. This movement was prompted by calls for prayers and religious rituals at the Gate of Mercy, one of the significant gates of Al-Aqsa Mosque. In response, large numbers of Palestinians gathered in the area to pray at Al-Aqsa Mosque and engage in shopping in the Old City.

The governorate further encouraged Palestinians to congregate at Al-Aqsa Mosque to counter what it described as "occupiers' incursions" and to "thwart the occupation's plans," particularly as Yom Kippur, a major Jewish religious observance, approaches. Israel maintains control over the Western Wall due to its significance as a sacred Jewish site, while the Jerusalem Islamic Waqf Administration and the Jerusalem Governorate assert that it is part of the Islamic holy sites.

The Western Wall plaza remains open around the clock under Israeli authorities, hosting religious ceremonies, prayers, and official events. Security measures, including checks and searches, are enforced at its entrances. Israeli groups have recently called on supporters to assemble outside the Gate of Mercy to participate in "Selichot" prayers ahead of Yom Kippur, which begins on September 21.

The Jewish holiday season commenced with the Hebrew New Year on September 12-13 and continues with Yom Kippur on September 21, followed by Sukkot from September 26 to October 2, and Simchat Torah on October 3, marking the completion of the annual Torah reading cycle.