Global reactions to Israeli minister’s visit to Al-Aqsa mosque compound
By Ezekiel David, Lagos
In a move stirring significant controversy, far-right Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir led hundreds of Jewish Israelis into Jerusalem’s most contested holy site, the al-Aqsa Mosque compound, also known as Temple Mount.
The action, which defied the long-standing Israeli government ban on Jewish prayer at the site, drew condemnation from Palestinian leaders, the UN, and several Arab states. Ben-Gvir emphasized in a statement that his policy is to permit Jewish prayer, challenging the established status quo.
The compound holds deep religious significance for both Jews and Muslims. For Jews, it is revered as the location of two ancient Biblical temples, while Muslims regard it as the third holiest site in Islam, where they believe the Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven.
Situated in East Jerusalem, the area has been under Israeli control since it was captured from Jordan in the 1967 Middle East war. Despite Israel’s control of security, the historical arrangement allows Jordan to oversee religious administration.
Palestinians have expressed increasing concern over what they perceive as Israeli attempts to alter the existing arrangements.
Social media footage on Tuesday showed Jewish visitors praying and singing the Israeli national anthem at the site, actions that many Palestinians and international observers view as provocations.
Ben-Gvir, escorted by police, spoke of “great progress” in Israel’s governance of the area and reiterated his commitment to enabling Jewish prayer, the BBC said.
In response, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted there was no change in the status quo, emphasizing that Israel’s policy on the Temple Mount remains unchanged.
Nevertheless, Ben-Gvir asserted his stance on ensuring freedom of worship for Jews, arguing against what he termed as racial discrimination at the site.
Meanwhile, the Palestinian foreign ministry condemned the actions as a “dangerous escalation” with potentially serious repercussions for regional stability.
The Jordanian Islamic endowment, known as the Waqf, reported that over 2,000 Israelis had entered the compound and called for global Muslim support to maintain the status quo.
Jordan’s foreign ministry criticized the incident as a violation of international law, echoed by Egypt and Saudi Arabia.
The UN and the US also voiced concerns, warning that such unilateral actions could undermine peace efforts, particularly regarding ceasefire negotiations in Gaza.
