Controversial Visit to Al-Aqsa Mosque Sparks Outrage
International Condemnation
Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir’s latest visit to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem’s Old City has sparked strong condemnation from Arab nations and Palestinian militants Hamas. Ben Gvir’s actions have been met with widespread criticism, with many viewing his visit as a provocative and dangerous escalation.
Background
Ben Gvir, a firebrand politician, had quit the cabinet in January in protest at the ceasefire agreement in the Palestinian territory. He returned to the government last month following the resumption of the war against Hamas in Gaza. The Al-Aqsa Mosque compound is a site of great religious and national significance, revered by both Jews and Muslims.
Status Quo
Under the status quo maintained by Israel, which has occupied east Jerusalem and its Old City since 1967, Jews and other non-Muslims are allowed to visit the compound during specified hours, but they are not permitted to pray there or display religious symbols. The site is administered by Jordan under the status quo, while access to it is controlled by Israeli security forces.
International Reactions
Jordan, the custodian of the site, condemned Wednesday’s visit as a "storming" and "an unacceptable provocation" in a foreign ministry statement. Hamas called it a "provocative and dangerous escalation", saying the visit was "part of the ongoing genocide against our Palestinian people". The Saudi foreign ministry expressed its "strongest condemnation" of the "storming" of the compound by Ben Gvir, while Egypt also expressed its "total condemnation and denunciation" of Ben Gvir’s "storming of the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque under the protection of Israeli police".
Ben Gvir’s Spokesperson
Ben Gvir’s spokesperson told AFP that the minister "went there because the site was opened (for non-Muslims) after 13 days", during which access was reserved for Muslims for the festival of Eid al-Fitr and the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. This explanation has been met with skepticism, as many see Ben Gvir’s actions as a deliberate attempt to provoke and desecrate the site.
Jewish Leaders’ Concerns
Some Jewish leaders warn against visiting the site on religious grounds. Influential ultra-Orthodox politician Moshe Gafni, a member of the government majority, criticised Ben Gvir’s visit on Wednesday as a "violation of the sanctity of the holiest place for the Jewish people". "It does not demonstrate sovereignty, on the contrary, it constitutes a desecration of the holy place and provokes unnecessary incitement in the Muslim world and beyond", he wrote on X.
Conclusion
Ben Gvir’s visit to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound has sparked widespread outrage and concern, with many viewing his actions as a deliberate attempt to provoke and desecrate the site. The Israeli government’s intentions to uphold the status quo at the compound are being called into question, as Palestinian fears about its future continue to fuel violence and tensions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the significance of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound?
A: The Al-Aqsa Mosque compound is a site of great religious and national significance, revered by both Jews and Muslims.
Q: What is the status quo at the compound?
A: Under the status quo maintained by Israel, which has occupied east Jerusalem and its Old City since 1967, Jews and other non-Muslims are allowed to visit the compound during specified hours, but they are not permitted to pray there or display religious symbols.
Q: Why did Ben Gvir visit the compound?
A: Ben Gvir’s spokesperson stated that the minister "went there because the site was opened (for non-Muslims) after 13 days", during which access was reserved for Muslims for the festival of Eid al-Fitr and the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.
Q: What is the reaction of Jewish leaders to Ben Gvir’s visit?
A: Some Jewish leaders warn against visiting the site on religious grounds, while others have criticized Ben Gvir’s actions as a "violation of the sanctity of the holiest place for the Jewish people".