Ben-Gvir Storms Al-Aqsa Mosque in Occupied East Jerusalem

Far-right Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir entered Al-Aqsa Mosque, Islam's third-holiest site, on January 17, 2024. He was accompanied by dozens of settlers, and his visit was protected by Israeli occupation forces. The site is located in occupied East Jerusalem, a territory that Israel annexed in 1980, a move not recognized by most of the international community. Ben-Gvir, the national security minister, has a history of provocative actions and statements regarding Palestinian territories and holy sites. His visit to Al-Aqsa, which is administered by the Jordanian Waqf under an arrangement that allows Jews to visit but not pray, is considered a significant escalation by Palestinian factions and many international observers.

The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the incursion, describing it as a "provocation" and a "blatant attack on the sanctity of the mosque." They stated that the visit, made under the protection of occupation forces, constitutes a "new chapter of aggression" against the Palestinian people and their holy sites. The ministry called on the international community to intervene and hold Israel accountable for its actions. Hamas, the Palestinian Islamist group that governs the Gaza Strip, also denounced the visit, warning of "consequences" and calling for a "day of rage" in response.

Ben-Gvir's visit to the Temple Mount, as it is known to Jews, has been a recurring point of contention. The site is highly sensitive due to its religious significance for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Al-Aqsa Mosque is the third holiest site in Islam, while the area also contains the Dome of the Rock. The complex is located in the Old City of Jerusalem, which was captured by Israel in the 1967 Six-Day War. The status of Jerusalem, particularly East Jerusalem, is one of the most complex and sensitive issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

International reactions have been mixed, with many countries expressing concern over the potential for increased tensions. The United Nations has repeatedly called for the preservation of the status quo at the holy sites. The United States, a key ally of Israel, has urged all parties to exercise restraint. Ben-Gvir's actions are seen by many as an attempt to assert Israeli sovereignty over the site and challenge the existing arrangements, potentially inflaming regional tensions and jeopardizing fragile peace efforts.