Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's prayer at the contentious Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount site has provoked strong reactions from Palestinian leaders and regional stakeholders, raising fears of increased unrest in a historically volatile area.
Rising Tensions in Jerusalem: Controversial Prayer by Israeli Minister
Rising Tensions in Jerusalem: Controversial Prayer by Israeli Minister
Itamar Ben-Gvir’s recent visit to a sensitive holy site has sparked outrage, deepening divides in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Israeli far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has ignited significant controversy by praying at the highly sensitive Haram al-Sharif, known to Jews as the Temple Mount, located in occupied East Jerusalem. His actions contradict a long-standing agreement permitting only Muslim worship at this crucial religious site, which is pivotal for both faiths.
Visual documentation of Ben-Gvir's visit shows him leading Jewish prayers at the location, a practice strictly prohibited under current guidelines. The Israeli Prime Minister's office reiterated that the policy of maintaining equitable access for all religious groups remains unchanged, amidst growing concerns from various quarters.
Jordan, serving as custodian of the site, condemned Ben-Gvir's visit as "an unacceptable provocation." Similarly, Hamas characterized the action as a further escalation against the Palestinian people. Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas’ representative pronounced that the minister's actions had "crossed all red lines."
The site holds immense significance; deemed the holiest for Jews due to the historical presence of two Biblical temples, it ranks third for Muslims, indicative of the Prophet Muhammad’s ascension to the heavens. Following Israel’s capture of the site during the 1967 Middle East war, Jordan retained its historical custodianship while Israel maintained security.
Palestinians accuse the Israeli government of undermining the status quo, noting that recent years have seen increased instances of Jewish visitors praying unimpeded by Israeli authorities. The Waqf, the Islamic authority responsible for the site, noted that Ben-Gvir was among 1,250 Jews who visited the compound on a Sunday.
Ben-Gvir, known for his ultra-nationalist views, has previously visited the compound but this marked the first occasion on which he openly engaged in prayer. Accompanied by police, he not only prayed but also made strong statements, referring to disturbing footage of hostages released by Hamas to heighten pressure on Israel, while calling for the return of the captives. Furthermore, Ben-Gvir advocated for the complete occupation of the Gaza Strip and urged for a so-called "voluntary emigration" of Palestinians, a move experts warn could lead to forced displacement and potential war crimes. His actions have drawn condemnation, with the UK already sanctioning him for incitement against Palestinian communities in the occupied territories.
