Far-right Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir and settlers storm Al-Aqsa Mosque
Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir storms Al-Aqsa Mosque compound with settlers, violating decades-old status quo arrangement.
Israeli Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir made an unauthorized visit to the Al-Aqsa mosque complex on Monday, accompanied by a group of Israeli settlers and military police. Footage shared widely on social media appears to show Ben Gvir engaging in Jewish prayers at the site, which holds immense significance for Muslims as one of the holiest Islamic pilgrimage destinations.
According to the historic "Status Quo" arrangements in place since 1949, Jews are prohibited from entering the complex. In his video, Ben Gvir is also seen delivering a speech advocating for the construction of a Jewish temple at the site, echoing the stance of the Temple Mount Faithful, an extremist Orthodox Jewish organization that calls for the demolition of Muslim structures within the contested prayer complex.
In recent months, Ben Gvir has repeatedly performed Jewish prayers and rituals at Al-Aqsa amidst growing restrictions on Palestinian access to the mosque, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.
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