**Tensions Escalate as Israeli Minister Prays at Controversial Holy Site**

**National Security Minister's prayer at al-Aqsa Mosque compound raises alarms over potential shifts in longstanding agreements governing the site.**

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has ignited a firestorm of criticism after he was seen praying at a highly contested holy site in East Jerusalem, a move many view as a breach of decades-old arrangements that have governed access and activities at this sensitive location. Known to Muslims as Haram al-Sharif (Noble Sanctuary) and to Jews as the Temple Mount, this area remains one of the most contentious in the Middle East.

Footage from Ben-Gvir's visit, which occurred on Sunday, shows him leading Jewish prayers at the site, despite the existing policy that prohibits non-Muslims from praying there. The Israeli prime minister's office has since confirmed that no changes have been made to the status quo agreement, which permits only Muslim worship.

Jordan, which serves as the custodian of the holy site, swiftly condemned Ben-Gvir's actions as "an unacceptable provocation." Hamas called the prayer a sign of "continuing aggressions" against the Palestinians, while a spokesperson for President Mahmoud Abbas remarked that the visit "crossed all red lines."

The Temple Mount holds profound significance for Jews as the location of two ancient temples and is considered the third holiest site for Muslims, who believe it was the location of the Prophet Muhammad’s night ascent. Israel captured the area from Jordan during the 1967 Middle East War, and since then, Jordan has maintained its role as custodian while Israel has ensured security and access.

Palestinians are increasingly voicing concerns that Israel is undermining the existing arrangements and point to the growing number of Jewish visitors who have reportedly prayed at the site without intervention from Israeli authorities. Notably, the Waqf, which manages the site, indicated that Ben-Gvir's visit was among a record of 1,250 Jews who accessed the compound that same morning.

This marks the first instance where Ben-Gvir, known for his ultra-nationalist stance and as a proponent of provocative actions, has openly prayed at the site, a development that experts warn could escalate tensions further. During his visit, he noted the distressing video footage of hostages released by Hamas and reiterated his controversial positions regarding Israel's territorial claims and the potential displacement of Palestinians. This approach has drawn international criticism, and Ben-Gvir has faced sanctions from the UK for inciting violence against Palestinian communities.

As the situation evolves, implications for both Israeli and Palestinian communities remain unpredictable, heightening anxieties around ongoing peace efforts and the future of the region.