Israeli far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has ignited widespread outrage following his visit to the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem, where he publicly prayed, a move seen as a blatant violation of a decades-old agreement governing the sensitive site. Videos and images circulated on social media show Ben-Gvir conducting Jewish prayers at the location, referred to by Jews as the Temple Mount, further inflaming existing tensions.
The Israeli Prime Minister's Office quickly asserted that there had been no alteration to the country's longstanding policy of maintaining the status quo at the complex, where only Muslim worship is officially permitted. In response to Ben-Gvir's actions, Jordan, which serves as the custodian of the site, labeled the visit "an unacceptable provocation.” Meanwhile, Hamas condemned the act as an escalation of ongoing aggressions against the Palestinian people, arguing that it crossed all permissible boundaries as highlighted by a spokesperson for Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas.
The al-Aqsa compound is revered as the holiest site for Jews, known biblically as the location of two ancient temples, while Muslims regard it as their third holiest site, believed to be the place of the Prophet Muhammad's ascension to heaven. Captured by Israel during the 1967 Middle East war, the site has been the subject of ongoing disputes, with Palestinians accusing Israel of undermining the status quo arrangements established with Jordan.
Reports from Waqf, the Islamic endowment managing the site, indicate that more than 1,250 Jewish visitors, including Ben-Gvir, ascended the compound on Sunday morning. Prior visits by Ben-Gvir had not included public prayers, making this occasion particularly controversial as he was escorted by police during his visit.
Ben-Gvir, an ultra-nationalist figure overseeing police as part of his role, commented on his visit, addressing recent footage released by Hamas showing hostages, which he claimed was intended to exert pressure on Israel. He reiterated calls to occupy the entirety of the Gaza Strip and suggested what he termed "voluntary emigration" of Palestinians, remarks that experts warn could equate to forced displacement, potentially constituting a war crime. The UK has previously sanctioned him for inciting violence against Palestinian communities in the occupied West Bank.
