Far-Right Israeli Minister's Visit to Controversial Jerusalem Religious Site Triggers Backlash
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Jerusalem, Dec 26 (NationPress) Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir declared on Thursday that he visited the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in East Jerusalem and offered a prayer, which seemed to challenge the enduring status quo at this significant site.
The Al-Aqsa Mosque, regarded as the third-holiest site in Islam, is overseen by the Jerusalem Awqaf Department, an Islamic religious trust linked to Jordan. The location is also revered by Jews as the Temple Mount.
According to the established status quo, non-Muslims can visit the hilltop compound but are prohibited from praying there. This revered site has historically been a flashpoint for violent confrontations between Jews and Muslims.
As per a statement from Ben-Gvir's office, the far-right minister “prayed for the well-being of our soldiers, for the return of the hostages, both living and deceased, and for Israel's total victory in the war.”
Ben-Gvir shared a photo of himself strolling through the compound's plaza in the Old City of Israeli-annexed East Jerusalem on the social media platform X.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu distanced himself from the visit, with his office quickly issuing a statement asserting, “The status quo on the Temple Mount has not changed,” as reported by Xinhua news agency.
The visit faced strong criticism from Mansour Abbas, leader of Israel's Arab Ra'am party, who accused Ben-Gvir of “desecrating the sanctity of Al-Aqsa Mosque” and attempting to “entangle Arab citizens of Israel in a confrontation with the state.”
In a statement, Jordan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the visit as a violation of the historical and legal status quo and “Israel's obligations as the occupying power in Jerusalem.”
Previously in October, Jordan had condemned the “storming” of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound by extremist settlers under the “protection” of Israeli forces.
Jordan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates stated on October 20 that this storming represents a blatant violation of international law, the historical and legal status quo in Jerusalem, and Israel's responsibilities as “the occupying power,” according to a ministry statement.
Spokesperson Sufian Qudah emphasized that Israel must cease all ongoing violations and breaches of the historical and legal status quo in Jerusalem and its holy sites, calling for an end to the imposition of new realities at the Al-Aqsa Mosque, as reported by Xinhua.
He reiterated that the Al-Aqsa Mosque is a place of worship solely for Muslims, and the Jordanian Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, through the Jerusalem Awqaf and Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs Department, holds the exclusive legal authority to manage all affairs related to the mosque and its grounds.
