Jerusalem_Together - Settlers raised Israeli flags in Al-Aqsa Mosque, and performed public collective prayers inside it, guarded by occupation forces, on the anniversary of what is called 'Independence Day.' The Islamic Endowments Department said that 423 settlers stormed Al-Aqsa during the morning raids. Four settlers raised the Israeli flag and wore it during the storming of Al-Aqsa, and the police provided them with full protection. Extremist Temple groups had called for 500 Israeli flags to be raised at Al-Aqsa. Amid the settlers' incursions and their provision of protection and complete freedom at Al-Aqsa, hundreds of worshipers were prevented from entering it, most of whom were elderly and Palestinian residents, and were forced to wait for hours at the gates of Al-Aqsa and the Old City. The forces also imposed a siege on the gates of the Old City and deployed forces at all gates, preventing entry towards them. The forces attempted to evacuate the Damascus Gate area several times and demanded via lou dspeakers to leave the area. The forces also attacked a number of young men and boys by pushing and beating them, and ghosted some of them for inspection. Source: Maan News Agency