Israeli minister sparks outrage by praying at ‘sensitive’ Jerusalem holy site

Israel’s far-right National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, has stirred controversy by praying at the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem. This is an action that violates a long-standing agreement governing one of the most sensitive religious sites in the Middle East.

Photos and videos of the visit show Ben-Gvir praying at the compound — known to Jews as the Temple Mount — located in occupied East Jerusalem.

Under a decades-old status quo, Jews are allowed to visit the compound but not pray there. This arrangement is intended to prevent religious tension and maintain peace at a site revered by both Muslims and Jews.

Despite the breach, the Israeli prime minister’s office said in a statement that “there had been no change” to Israel’s policy of maintaining the existing agreement, which restricts non-Muslim worship at the site.

Reactions to Ben-Gvir’s actions were swift and condemnatory. Jordan, the custodian of the site, described the visit as “an unacceptable provocation.”

Hamas denounced the move as “a deepening of the ongoing aggressions against our Palestinian people,” while a spokesperson for Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas said the visit “crossed all red lines.”

The site is considered the holiest in Judaism, believed to be the location of two ancient Biblical temples. For Muslims, it is the third holiest site, as it is believed to be where the Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven.

Though Israel captured the area from Jordan in the 1967 Middle East war, Jordan retained a custodial role, while Israel took charge of security and access.

Palestinians have long accused Israel of gradually eroding the status quo, alleging that in recent years, Jews have prayed there with little to no interference from Israeli police.

The Waqf, the Islamic body managing the site, said that Ben-Gvir was among 1,250 Jewish visitors who entered the compound on Sunday morning.

This isn’t Ben-Gvir’s first visit, but according to the Times of Israel, it was the first time he openly prayed at the site. Flanked by Israeli police officers, the minister toured the area.

While at the site, Ben-Gvir also addressed recent footage showing Israeli hostages held by Hamas appearing emaciated.

He said: “Horror video of hostages recently released by Hamas… were aimed at putting pressure on Israel,” and reiterated his demand for the hostages’ release.

Ben-Gvir also repeated controversial remarks urging Israeli occupation of the entire Gaza Strip and supporting “voluntary emigration” of Palestinians from the territory.

Experts warn such proposals could constitute forced displacement — a potential war crime under international law.

The UK has previously sanctioned Ben-Gvir for “repeated incitements of violence against Palestinian communities” in the occupied West Bank.

(BBC)

ALSO READ TOP STORIES FROM NIGERIAN TRIBUNE