Maarouf al-Rifai, spokesperson for the Jerusalem Governorate, warned that extremist Temple groups are preparing to carry out the largest mass raid on the Al-Aqsa Mosque during the Hebrew holiday of Hanukkah, which begins on 4 December and continues until 12 December.
In a statement issued by the Jerusalem Governorate, al-Rifai said the extremist groups are demanding an extension of the raid hours, permission to perform public Talmudic rituals inside the mosque's courtyards, and an attempt to bring the Jewish menorah into the plaza of the Dome of the Rock.
He explained that the number of raiders during Hanukkah rose from 2,567 settlers in 2024 to 2,779 in 2025, while last October recorded 6,176 settlers raiding Al-Aqsa Mosque.
He pointed out that the danger of these calls lies in the attempt to turn the raids from visits into public religious rituals imposed inside the mosque, which constitutes an infringement on the existing historical and legal status and weakens the powers of the Islamic Endowments Department in administering it.
He warned that these raids are accompanied by restrictions on the entry of worshippers, the removal of Murabitun, the detention of identity cards, and the clearing of some of the mosque's courtyards for the raiders, entrenching a reality based on expanding the settlers' presence while tightening restrictions on worshippers.
He also noted that the plans include installing menorahs in the vicinity of the Old City and organizing marches and events aimed at changing its Arab and Islamic character.
Al-Rifai warned that attempting to bring in the menorah or impose religious rituals inside the mosque could lead to confrontations and escalation in Jerusalem and the West Bank, calling on Palestinians to travel to Al-Aqsa and remain steadfast there, and demanding that the Arab and Islamic nations assume their responsibilities in protecting it.
