A far-right Israeli minister sparked outrage on Sunday after leading a group of worshippers in prayer at the most sensitive holy site in Jerusalem, despite a decades-old agreement that bars Jews from worshipping there.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who has previously been convicted for supporting terrorism and inciting anti-Arab racism in Israel, commemorated Tisha B\u2019Av, a Jewish day of mourning, in the Al Aqsa Mosque compound, known to Jews as Temple Mount. On Tisha B\u2019Av, Jews mark the destruction of two ancient temples that once stood on the land.
While there, he called for his country to \u201cconquer\u201d Gaza and \u201cencourage\u201d Palestinians to leave the enclave<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The complex is the holiest site in Judaism, where Jews face in prayer. It is also the third holiest site in Islam.
Anyone can visit the site, but only Muslims are allowed to pray there, according to an understanding known as the \u2018status quo agreement,\u2019 which has existed since Israel captured the Old City of Jerusalem from Jordan in 1967.
Ben Gvir has visited the complex a number of times before, including on previous Tisha B\u2019Av commemorations, but hasn\u2019t before led a congregation in prayer there.
The Palestinian Ministry of Religious Affairs quickly condemned Ben Gvir, calling him an \u201cextremist\u201d and saying that the move \u201cblatantly disregards the sentiments of Muslims across the world, not only in Palestine.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Islamic holy sites have become subject to \u201cdaily violations by settler groups operating under the protection of a right-wing government that is actively working to seize control of both Islamic and Christian holy sites through a clear and systematic plan,\u201d the ministry said in a statement.
Jordan, which administrates the holy site, and Saudi Arabia also condemned Ben Gvir\u2019s actions. Jordan\u2019s foreign ministry described the incident as a \u201cblatant violation of international law and international humanitarian law, an unacceptable provocation, and a condemned escalation.\u201d
Hamas called the move a \u201cgrave and escalating crime against the mosque.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Palestinians want East Jerusalem, where the compound is located, as the capital of their future state. Most of the international community considers the eastern sector of the city as being under Israeli occupation.
Later on Sunday, the Israeli Prime Minister\u2019s Office (PMO) said in a statement that its \u201cpolicy of maintaining the status quo on the Temple Mount has not changed and will not change.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
In the past, the PMO has emphasized that policy regarding the site is determined by the Israeli government and its prime minister, not individuals.
While at the site on Sunday, Ben Gvir prayed \u201cfor Israel\u2019s complete victory in the war, and for the safe return of all the hostages,\u201d his office said<\/p>\n\n\n\n
It is from here that a message must be sent: to conquer the entire Gaza Strip, declare sovereignty over all of Gaza, eliminate every Hamas member, and encourage voluntary emigration,\u201d the minister said in a video recorded at the compound. \u201cOnly in this way will we bring back the hostages and win the war.\u201d
Earlier this week, Ben Gvir was declared a persona non grata by the Netherlands for reportedly inciting violence against Palestinians, advocating for the expansion of illegal settlements and calling for \u201cethnic cleansing in the Gaza Strip,\u201d Dutch foreign minister Caspar Veldkamp wrote in a letter.
This came after Australia, Canada, New Zealand, Norway and the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on him, as well as Israel\u2019s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, in June.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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