Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir Storms Al-Aqsa Mosque With Settlers in East Jerusalem
Key Takeaways
- Ben-Gvir, Israel's National Security Minister, stormed Al-Aqsa Mosque with settlers under heavy protection.
- The compound remained closed to worshippers for the 38th day.
- Palestinian officials and regional states condemned the incursion.
Ben-Gvir Storms Al-Aqsa
Israel's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound under heavy police protection.
The Jordanian Department of Islamic Endowments described the visit as a flagrant violation of the historical and legal status quo.
Ben-Gvir was accompanied by Israeli settlers who performed Talmudic prayers in the courtyards.
Ben-Gvir declared, Today, I feel that I own the place here.
The Al-Aqsa Mosque is Islam's third-holiest site, while Jews refer to the area as the Temple Mount.
Israel occupied East Jerusalem in 1967 and annexed the city in 1980, a move never recognized internationally.
Provocative Prayers and Reactions
The incursion sparked widespread condemnation across the region.
Jordan's Foreign Ministry called it a desecration of its sanctity.
The Palestinian Authority condemned the storming as a blatant violation of the historical and legal status quo.
The Jerusalem Governorate described the raid as part of a broader campaign of violations.
The United Nations reported more than 1,100 Palestinians killed in the West Bank since October 2023.
Ben-Gvir has entered the compound at least 16 times since taking office in 2022.
Wider Context and Consequences
Ben-Gvir's incursion came after Israeli forces turned parts of occupied East Jerusalem into a militarized zone.
“Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem’s Old City – his third incursion into Islam’s third holiest site this year – as Israel arrested at least 18 Palestinians in the occupied West Bank on Sunday”
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre had been closed for 40 days.
The visit occurred amid Israel's offensive in Gaza that has killed more than 35,600 Palestinians.
The International Court of Justice has urged Israel to prevent genocidal acts.
The incident at Al-Aqsa underscores the escalating tensions and humanitarian crisis.
The Guardian reported that Rahman Textile produced clothing for European brands.
More on Gaza Genocide
UK Police Arrest Over 523 Protesters Supporting Palestine Action Despite Court Ruling
14 sources compared
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung Shares Video Accusing Israeli Soldiers Of Palestinian Child Abuse
10 sources compared
Trump's Board of Peace Faces Funding Crisis, Stalling Gaza Reconstruction Plan
27 sources compared
Netanyahu Expels Spain From Gaza Ceasefire Hub Over 'Anti-Israel Bias'
26 sources compared