Israeli Far-Right Minister's Visit to Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound Sparks Condemnations
TEHRAN (Tasnim) – The Israeli regime’s far-right national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's visit to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on Sunday morning has drawn condemnations from Palestinians and Jordan, heightening tensions in the region.
Escorted by heavy police and the internal Shin Bet security agency, Ben-Gvir arrived at the compound in the early morning hours, as seen in a video statement released by his office. Expressing his satisfaction with the visit, he extended gratitude to the police officers present.
In response, Palestinian Presidential Spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeineh denounced the visit as "a blatant attack" on the holy site.
Echoing this sentiment, the Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates described the visit as "a provocative step and a dangerous and unacceptable escalation."
The administration of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound has been under the authority of the Jerusalem al-Quds Islamic Waqf, a Jordanian body, since 1948.
This visit comes shortly after the annual "Flag March," a march held by tens of thousands of Israeli nationalists to commemorate the Israeli annexation of East Jerusalem al-Quds.
It marks the second time Ben-Gvir, leader of the ultranationalist Jewish Power party, has visited the site since joining the Israeli regime’s coalition far-right government.
The Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, situated in East Jerusalem al-Quds, is a highly sensitive location of religious significance to Muslims that has been a recurring flashpoint for tensions.
Egypt has also condemned Ben-Gvir's visit to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. The Egyptian foreign ministry issued a statement expressing concern over the "provocative behavior." Egypt urged the Zionist regime of Israel to immediately cease its escalating practices, which contribute to the already heightened tensions in the occupied territories of Palestine.
