The recent actions of Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir have reignited tensions around the al-Aqsa Mosque compound, a site of significant religious importance for both Jews and Muslims.
Israeli Minister's Al-Aqsa Visit Sparks Outrage and Escalates Tensions
Israeli Minister's Al-Aqsa Visit Sparks Outrage and Escalates Tensions
Itamar Ben-Gvir's Prayer at Jerusalem's Holy Site Breaches Long-Standing Agreements
In a controversial move, Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel's far-right National Security Minister, prayed at the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem, a historic site that has long been the focal point of religious and political disputes. His visit, captured in photos and videos, violated a decades-old arrangement that restricts Jewish prayers at the site revered both as the Temple Mount by Jews and the third holiest site in Islam.
The Israeli Prime Minister's office reiterated that the country's policies regarding the status quo at the compound remain unchanged, permitting only Muslim worship. However, reactions were swift and fierce. Jordan, which retains custodianship over the site, condemned Ben-Gvir’s actions as an "unacceptable provocation." Hamas branded the incident as a further assault on the Palestinian people, and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas's spokesperson claimed it "crossed all red lines."
The compound holds immense significance, being the remnants of the two Biblical temples for Jews and the location of Prophet Muhammad's ascension for Muslims. Israel captured the area from Jordan during the 1967 war, allowing Jordan to maintain a custodial role while Israel controls security and access.
Palestinians have increasingly accused Israel of undermining existing arrangements, noting a rise in Jewish visitors praying on-site without intervention from Israeli police. The Islamic Waqf, which manages the compound, reported that Ben-Gvir was among 1,250 Jews who ascended to the compound that day.
While this was not Ben-Gvir's first visit to al-Aqsa, it marked the first occasion he prayed there openly, accompanied by police officers throughout. In remarks at the site, he commented on disturbing videos of hostages released by Hamas, asserting they were meant to manipulate Israel and demanding their return. He maintained a controversial stance on Gaza, calling for the entire area to come under Israeli control and suggesting a "voluntary emigration" of Palestinians, a statement that has drawn criticism as potentially leading to forced displacement and possible war crimes.
Ben-Gvir's actions have further strained already tense Israeli-Palestinian relations and have prompted international outcry, particularly in light of his previously sanctioned history of inciting violence against Palestinian communities.
The Israeli Prime Minister's office reiterated that the country's policies regarding the status quo at the compound remain unchanged, permitting only Muslim worship. However, reactions were swift and fierce. Jordan, which retains custodianship over the site, condemned Ben-Gvir’s actions as an "unacceptable provocation." Hamas branded the incident as a further assault on the Palestinian people, and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas's spokesperson claimed it "crossed all red lines."
The compound holds immense significance, being the remnants of the two Biblical temples for Jews and the location of Prophet Muhammad's ascension for Muslims. Israel captured the area from Jordan during the 1967 war, allowing Jordan to maintain a custodial role while Israel controls security and access.
Palestinians have increasingly accused Israel of undermining existing arrangements, noting a rise in Jewish visitors praying on-site without intervention from Israeli police. The Islamic Waqf, which manages the compound, reported that Ben-Gvir was among 1,250 Jews who ascended to the compound that day.
While this was not Ben-Gvir's first visit to al-Aqsa, it marked the first occasion he prayed there openly, accompanied by police officers throughout. In remarks at the site, he commented on disturbing videos of hostages released by Hamas, asserting they were meant to manipulate Israel and demanding their return. He maintained a controversial stance on Gaza, calling for the entire area to come under Israeli control and suggesting a "voluntary emigration" of Palestinians, a statement that has drawn criticism as potentially leading to forced displacement and possible war crimes.
Ben-Gvir's actions have further strained already tense Israeli-Palestinian relations and have prompted international outcry, particularly in light of his previously sanctioned history of inciting violence against Palestinian communities.
