Israel’s Nationwide Safety Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visits the Al-Aqsa compound on August 13, 2024, on this screenshot obtained from a distributed video. | Photograph credit score: Reuters
Far-right Nationwide Safety Minister Itamar Ben Gvir led a whole bunch of Israelis into the al-Aqsa mosque compound in annexed east Jerusalem on Tuesday and held prayers marking a Jewish vacation, sources mentioned.
Ben Gvir, who has typically defied the Israeli authorities’s long-standing ban on Jewish prayer within the mosque compound, vowed to “defeat Hamas” in Gaza in a video he filmed throughout his go to.
The complicated is the third holiest website in Islam and an emblem of Palestinian nationwide id, however it is usually the holiest website in Judaism, revered as the location of the traditional temple destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD.
Though Jews and different non-Muslims are permitted to go to the mosque compound in Israeli-annexed East Jerusalem throughout particular hours, they aren’t allowed to hope or show non secular symbols.
In recent times, hardline non secular nationalists corresponding to Ben Gvir have more and more violated these restrictions, prompting typically violent reactions from Palestinians.
On Tuesday morning, Ben Gvir and a couple of,250 different Israelis walked by means of the compound in teams, singing Jewish hymns, beneath the safety of Israeli police, an official from the Waqf, the Jordanian physique that guards the location, advised AFP.
“Minister Ben Gvir, as a substitute of sustaining the established order on the mosque, is overseeing the Judaization operation and making an attempt to alter the scenario contained in the Al-Aqsa Mosque,” the official mentioned on situation of anonymity as he was not licensed to talk on the matter.
Israeli police additionally “imposed restrictions” on Muslim worshippers making an attempt to enter the mosque, he mentioned.
‘Flagrant violation’
Jordan’s Overseas Ministry condemned the “assault” on the mosque, calling it a “flagrant violation of worldwide regulation.”
“The continued violations of the historic and authorized established order in Jerusalem and its holy websites require a transparent and agency worldwide place condemning these violations,” ministry spokesman Sufyan al-Qudah mentioned in an announcement.
Pictures posted on social media confirmed Ben Gvir contained in the compound as a number of Israelis lay on the bottom performing Talmudic rituals.
Ben Gvir posted a video assertion on social media platform X, which he filmed himself contained in the compound, renewing his opposition to any truce within the conflict in Gaza.
“We should win this conflict. We should win and never go to talks in Doha or Cairo,” he mentioned, referring to U.S.-backed negotiations for a truce and a deal to launch hostages in Gaza which can be set to renew on Thursday.
“We will defeat Hamas… we should carry them to their knees,” Ben Gvir mentioned.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s workplace mentioned Ben Gvir’s go to “deviated from the established order.”
“Israel’s coverage on the Temple Mount has not modified; it has been and shall be,” the assertion mentioned.
Tuesday’s entry into the Al-Aqsa compound comes on the Jewish day of mourning, Tisha Be’Av, which commemorates the destruction of the traditional temple.
Additionally final month, Ben Gvir, identified for his provocative gestures, mentioned he had prayed contained in the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, defying long-standing guidelines that enable Jewish visits however prohibit prayer.
