Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir sparked outrage with his visit to the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem, a sensitive holy site that is revered by both Jews and Muslims. The 1967 war captured the site from Jordan, and under the current status quo agreement, Jews are allowed to visit but not pray.
Ben-Gvir’s visit broke a decades-old arrangement and was met with condemnation from Jordan, Hamas, and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas. Palestinians accuse Israel of undermining arrangements that allow Jewish visitors to pray, citing recent incidents where police failed to intervene.
The al-Aqsa Mosque compound is considered the third holiest site in Islam, where Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven. It remains a contentious issue between Israelis and Palestinians, with experts warning that Ben-Gvir’s calls for Israel to occupy Gaza and encourage Palestinian emigration could amount to forced displacement and war crimes.
Ben-Gvir repeated his claim that the recent Hamas hostage releases were aimed at putting pressure on Israel and called for their return. The minister has also been sanctioned by the UK for inciting violence against Palestinian communities in the occupied West Bank.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c4gjxg65p56o