Israel's far-right minister visits Al Aqsa Mosque compound

Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir has sparked strong condemnation from Arab nations and Palestinian group Hamas following his latest visit to the Al Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem’s Old City.

The firebrand politician visited the site in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem after rejoining the government last month amid the ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza.

Ben Gvir previously resigned from the cabinet in January, protesting against a ceasefire agreement in the Palestinian territory.

The site is Islam’s third holiest place and a symbol of Palestinian national identity.

Under the current status quo, Jews and other non-Muslims are allowed to visit at specific hours but cannot pray or display religious symbols there.

Since Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government took power in late 2022, Ben Gvir has visited the site at least eight times, each time drawing global backlash.

Read more: Over 120,000 Muslims offer Jumma-tul-Wida prayers at Al Aqsa

Jordan, which administers the compound, called the visit a “storming” and an “unacceptable provocation”.

Hamas called it a “provocative and dangerous escalation”, urging Palestinians to escalate their resistance.

Saudi Arabia and Egypt also condemned the move, with Cairo calling it a “total violation” of the site's sanctity.

With access controlled by Israeli security forces, tensions around the Al Aqsa Mosque remain high, further fueling the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine.