A controversial visit by far-right Israeli minister Itamar Ben Gvir to the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in east Jerusalem, where he prayed with thousands of Jews, has sparked international condemnation. Despite a ban on Jewish prayer at the site, Ben Gvir defied the restrictions and vowed to “defeat Hamas” in Gaza during his visit on Tuesday.
The Al-Aqsa compound holds significance as Islam’s third holiest site and Judaism’s holiest place, leading to tensions between different religious and national groups. Ben Gvir’s actions have drawn sharp criticism from Muslim countries, Western powers, and the United Nations, urging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to prevent further provocations.
The incident has further escalated during the Israel-Hamas conflict, with ongoing diplomatic efforts for a ceasefire. International reactions have condemned the violation of the status quo at the mosque and urged for respect towards religious sanctuaries. As the situation unfolds, the implications of Ben Gvir’s actions on regional stability remain a point of concern.