In a move that has escalated tensions, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir prayed at the controversial site known to Muslims as Haram al-Sharif and to Jews as the Temple Mount in occupied East Jerusalem. This visit marked a significant deviation from a longstanding agreement that restricts Jewish prayers at this pivotal location, where religious sentiments run deep.
The event, captured in photos and videos, showed Ben-Gvir leading a group of Jewish worshippers at the site, a place revered by Jews for its historical significance, while being the third holiest site for Muslims due to its connection to the Prophet Muhammad’s ascension to heaven. The Israeli Prime Minister’s office asserted that there remains no change to the status quo regarding worship permissions at the site, which has traditionally allowed only Muslim worship.
Jordan, responsible for the site's custodianship, condemned Ben-Gvir's actions as "an unacceptable provocation." Hamas labeled the visit an extension of hostilities against Palestinians, while a spokesperson for Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas emphasized that this event had "crossed all red lines."
Captured during the 1967 Middle East war, the site has remained a flashpoint, with Palestinian leaders often voicing concerns over Israeli encroachments on the status quo. Recently, there have been reports of heightened tensions as Jewish visitors have at times been observed praying without intervention from Israeli authorities.
Ben-Gvir, an outspoken ultra-nationalist, has faced international scrutiny, including sanctions from the UK for his inflammatory remarks against Palestinian communities. His recent statements also included calls for the occupation of Gaza and encouragement of what he termed "voluntary emigration" of Palestinians, remarks that have raised alarms about potential human rights violations.
As the crisis continues to unfold, both the Israeli government and Palestinian leaders navigate the complex landscape of historical grievances and contemporary political realities in a region fraught with conflict and sensitivity.
The event, captured in photos and videos, showed Ben-Gvir leading a group of Jewish worshippers at the site, a place revered by Jews for its historical significance, while being the third holiest site for Muslims due to its connection to the Prophet Muhammad’s ascension to heaven. The Israeli Prime Minister’s office asserted that there remains no change to the status quo regarding worship permissions at the site, which has traditionally allowed only Muslim worship.
Jordan, responsible for the site's custodianship, condemned Ben-Gvir's actions as "an unacceptable provocation." Hamas labeled the visit an extension of hostilities against Palestinians, while a spokesperson for Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas emphasized that this event had "crossed all red lines."
Captured during the 1967 Middle East war, the site has remained a flashpoint, with Palestinian leaders often voicing concerns over Israeli encroachments on the status quo. Recently, there have been reports of heightened tensions as Jewish visitors have at times been observed praying without intervention from Israeli authorities.
Ben-Gvir, an outspoken ultra-nationalist, has faced international scrutiny, including sanctions from the UK for his inflammatory remarks against Palestinian communities. His recent statements also included calls for the occupation of Gaza and encouragement of what he termed "voluntary emigration" of Palestinians, remarks that have raised alarms about potential human rights violations.
As the crisis continues to unfold, both the Israeli government and Palestinian leaders navigate the complex landscape of historical grievances and contemporary political realities in a region fraught with conflict and sensitivity.
