Global reactions to Israeli minister’s visit to Al-Aqsa mosque compound

In a move that has sparked considerable controversy, far-right Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir led hundreds of Jewish Israelis into Jerusalem’s highly contested holy site, the al-Aqsa Mosque compound, also known as Temple Mount. This action, which challenges the long-standing Israeli government prohibition on Jewish prayer at the site, has been met with condemnation from Palestinian leaders, the UN, and several Arab states. Ben-Gvir defended the move, stating that his policy is to allow Jewish prayer, thereby disrupting the established status quo.

The compound is a site of profound religious significance for both Jews and Muslims. For Jews, it is sacred as the location of two ancient Biblical temples, while Muslims regard it as the third holiest site in Islam, believed to be where the Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven.

Located in East Jerusalem, the area has been under Israeli control since its capture from Jordan during the 1967 Middle East war. Although Israel controls security, Jordan retains authority over religious administration under a historical arrangement.

Palestinians have expressed growing alarm over what they perceive as Israeli efforts to alter the current arrangements. Social media footage from Tuesday depicted Jewish visitors praying and singing the Israeli national anthem at the site, actions that many Palestinians and international observers view as provocations.

Ben-Gvir, accompanied by police, hailed the event as a sign of “great progress” in Israel’s management of the area and reaffirmed his commitment to permitting Jewish prayer, according to the BBC.

In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office stated that there has been no change in the status quo, stressing that Israel’s policy regarding the Temple Mount remains unchanged. Nevertheless, Ben-Gvir maintained his position on ensuring freedom of worship for Jews, criticizing what he described as racial discrimination at the site.

The Palestinian foreign ministry denounced the actions as a “dangerous escalation” with potentially grave consequences for regional stability. The Jordanian Islamic endowment, the Waqf, reported that over 2,000 Israelis had entered the compound and urged global Muslim support to uphold the status quo.

Jordan’s foreign ministry labeled the incident a violation of international law, a sentiment also echoed by Egypt and Saudi Arabia. The UN and the US expressed concern, warning that such unilateral actions could jeopardize peace efforts, particularly in relation to ceasefire negotiations in Gaza.