The Controversy Surrounding Al-Aqsa Mosque
Recent inflammatory remarks by far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir regarding the construction of a synagogue at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound have sparked outrage in Israel and beyond. Two ultra-Orthodox newspapers, Yated Ne’eman and Haderech, have criticized Ben Gvir’s comments for infringing on Muslim religious rights and violating the long-standing agreement over the status quo of the holy site.
Ben Gvir’s assertion that Jews have the right to pray at Al-Aqsa Mosque and his plans to build a synagogue on the premises have drawn sharp criticism. The proposed actions have been deemed reckless and a dangerous provocation by various factions, including the Palestinian Authority and Arab nations like Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
As tensions escalate over the fate of Al-Aqsa Mosque, the international community is calling for respect for the historical and legal status quo of the site. The situation remains volatile, with concerns growing over the potential for religious conflict in the region.