Summary
Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in East Jerusalem, sparking condemnation from Palestinians and Jordan. This visit is part of a series of actions by Ben-Gvir that Palestinians view as violations of the site's historical and legal status.
Key Facts
- Itamar Ben-Gvir is Israel's far-right National Security Minister.
- Ben-Gvir visited the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, a significant religious site in East Jerusalem, for the third time this year.
- Non-Muslims are not allowed to pray at the site according to the status quo since 1967, although visits are permitted.
- Jordan and the Palestinian Authority publicly condemned the visit, calling it a violation and provocation.
- Ben-Gvir has visited the mosque compound at least 16 times since taking office in 2022.
- Israel had previously closed the mosque to the public for 40 days during its conflict with Iran.
- At least 18 Palestinians were arrested in the occupied West Bank during Israeli raids on the same day.
- The UN reports that over 1,100 Palestinians have been killed in the occupied West Bank since October 2023.
