Israeli far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has ignited significant controversy by visiting the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem and praying at the site, violating a longstanding agreement that prohibits Jewish prayer in this highly sensitive area. His presence at the compound, revered as the Temple Mount by Jews, was captured in various photos and videos showing him leading prayers among a crowd.
The Israeli prime minister’s office quickly affirmed that there was no alteration to the status quo arrangements that permit only Muslim worship in the area. Jordan, which holds custodianship over the site, has deemed Ben-Gvir's actions as "an unacceptable provocation." Meanwhile, Hamas has labeled the visit as a further escalation of hostilities against Palestinians, and a spokesperson for President Mahmoud Abbas criticized the act for crossing significant boundaries.
The al-Aqsa Mosque compound is of immense religious importance: it is the holiest site for Jews, believed to be where two ancient temples once stood, while for Muslims, it ranks as the third holiest site, associated with the Prophet Muhammad’s night journey. Following Israel's capture of East Jerusalem from Jordan during the 1967 Middle East war, a status quo was established, allowing Jordan to continue its custodial role while Israel took charge of security and access issues.
Palestinians have accused Israel of undermining this status quo, with increasing incidents of Jewish visitors allegedly praying without intervention from Israeli police. Reports indicate that Ben-Gvir was among approximately 1,250 Jewish individuals who accessed the compound that Sunday morning. This incident marks a significant moment as it was the first time he openly engaged in prayer at the site, despite having visited previously.
Accompanying police officers, Ben-Gvir made statements during his visit condemning video footage of hostages released by Hamas, asserting it was intended to pressure Israel. He reiterated his calls for Israel to assume control over the entire Gaza Strip and promote what he described as the "voluntary emigration" of Palestinians, a proposition labeled by experts as potentially constituting forced displacement, raising worries of war crimes. Furthermore, Ben-Gvir has faced sanctions from the UK due to previous provocations against Palestinian communities in occupied territories.
