Jerusalem, April 26 (RHC)-- Hundreds of extremist settlers have stormed the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in the occupied Old City of East Jerusalem amid an escalation of violence by Israeli forces and settlers against Palestinian people.

Palestinian sources, requesting not to be named, said more than 320 Israeli settlers entered the site through the Moroccan Gate under tight protection of several groups of Israeli soldiers and special police forces.

The sources added that the settlers toured the compound and performed prayers on the fifth day of the Jewish week-long Passover holiday.  The sources further noted that Israeli forces had erected checkpoints along streets and alleyways around the al-Aqsa Mosque compound. The movement of locals was also blocked off with iron barriers and sandbags.

 In addition, Israeli troops searched Muslim worshipers and checked their identity cards before allowing them to enter the site.  Palestinians have repeatedly warned of Israeli attempts to change the status quo of the al-Aqsa Mosque compound.  Al-Aqsa Mosque is the third holiest site in Islam.