Israeli Ultra-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir shocked many by leading hundreds of Israelis into Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa mosque compound for prayers, despite the longstanding ban on Jewish prayer there. The compound, sacred to both Islam and Judaism, has been a flashpoint for tensions, with hardline nationalists like Ben Gvir defying restrictions and sparking violent reactions from Palestinians.
During his visit, Ben Gvir vowed to defeat Hamas in Gaza, further escalating tensions in the region. His actions were condemned by Jordan’s foreign ministry as a “flagrant violation of international law.” Despite Israeli police imposing restrictions on Muslim worshippers, Ben Gvir and his followers performed Jewish rituals inside the compound.
This incident comes amidst ongoing negotiations for a truce in the Gaza conflict, with Ben Gvir opposing any talks and advocating for a military victory over Hamas. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office distanced itself from Ben Gvir’s actions, stating that Israeli policy on the Temple Mount remains unchanged.
Ben Gvir’s provocative visit on the Jewish day of Tisha Be’Av adds to the tensions surrounding the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, highlighting the complex religious and political dynamics in the region.
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