Israeli National Security Minister Visits Al-Aqsa Mosque Amid Ongoing Tensions
Israeli Minister of National Security Itamar Ben Gvir, known for his far-right stance, made another visit to the Al-Aqsa Mosque on Wednesday, as reported by a spokesperson to the news agency AFP.
This visit coincides with indirect negotiations taking place in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt, between Israel and Hamas aimed at reaching an agreement for the release of hostages, as part of an American proposal to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Additionally, it occurred during the Jewish holiday of Sukkot.
Ben Gvir has previously visited the mosque grounds ten times, sometimes accompanied by settlers.
His visits have consistently met with condemnation from Palestinians and Arab nations, particularly because the minister, recognized for his provocative actions and extremist views, flouts the established norms by praying at the mosque, which is one of the holiest sites in Islam.
Video footage shared across social media shows Ben Gvir walking through the mosque area, accompanied by a group of religious Jews.
In a recorded message from the mosque, he referenced the second anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which sparked the Gaza war.
Ben Gvir stated, “Two years have passed since the horrific massacre, here at the Temple Mount, with a victory.” He continued, “I pray that our Prime Minister (Benjamin Netanyahu) achieves a complete victory in Gaza as well, to destroy Hamas and return the hostages with God’s help.”
Hamas, in response, denounced the visit as a “deliberate provocative step” that reflects the “fascist mentality” governing the occupation government, intentionally undermining the sanctity of Al-Aqsa and the sentiments of Muslims worldwide.
The Jordanian Foreign Ministry also condemned the visit, calling it a “flagrant violation of the historical and legal status of the Al-Aqsa Mosque.”
The Al-Aqsa Mosque is at the core of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Jews believe the site was built on the ruins of their Second Temple, destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD, referring to it as the “Temple Mount” and considering it their holiest location.
According to the established arrangements following Israel’s occupation of East Jerusalem and its annexation in 1967, non-Muslims are permitted to visit Al-Aqsa at specific times but are prohibited from praying there. This rule is frequently disregarded by ultra-Orthodox Jews.