Israeli troops storm Al-Aqsa during dawn prayers, fresh attacks kill 2 children in Gaza

Israeli forces stormed the courtyard of Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem during dawn prayers, as Palestinians gathered at the holy site, according to Al Jazeera's reports from the ground.  

Israeli authorities have imposed severe restrictions on Palestinians from the occupied West Bank attempting to travel to Al-Aqsa—Islam's third-holiest site—for prayers during the holy month of Ramadan.  

Additionally, since the beginning of Ramadan on 1 March, hundreds of Israeli settlers have been making daily incursions into the mosque's compound, escalating tensions in the area.

Israeli forces have launched fresh attacks on Gaza, killing at least two children in Gaza City and Beit Lahiya, as the total blockade on humanitarian aid into the besieged enclave enters its 13th day.  

According to a report by Al Jazeera, UN experts have stated that Israel has committed "genocidal acts" against Palestinians by systematically destroying women's healthcare facilities and employing sexual violence as a war strategy during its ongoing assault on Gaza.  

Meanwhile, a Hamas official has said the Palestinian group remains firm on sticking to the existing Gaza ceasefire agreement and moving to a second phase. 

The statement comes amid reports of negotiations over a US proposal to extend the first phase of the ceasefire by 60 days in exchange for the release of more Israeli captives.  

Gaza's Health Ministry reports that at least 48,524 Palestinians have been killed, and 111,955 wounded in Israel's war on Gaza. The Government Media Office in Gaza has updated the death toll to more than 61,700, stating that thousands of Palestinians missing under the rubble are presumed dead.  

In Israel, at least 1,139 people were killed during the 7 October 2023, attacks, and more than 200 were taken captive.