‘Provocative’ – Ben-Gvir Storms Al-Aqsa Complex, Fourth Incursion in a Year

Israeli far-right Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir invaded Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. (File Photo: via WAFA)

By Palestine Chronicle Staff  

According to the Masjid Al-Aqsa X page, a project of the Palestine Information Network (PIN), this is Ben-Gvir’s fourth incursion since October 7, 2023.

Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir forced his way into the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex in occupied East Jerusalem on Thursday, the fourth incursion since October last year.

On X Ben-Gvir posted a picture of himself in the complex, with the caption: “I went up to our holy place this morning to pray for the safety of our soldiers, for the speedy return of all those kidnapped, and for complete victory with God’s help.”

According to the Masjid Al-Aqsa X page, a project of the Palestine Information Network (PIN), this is Ben-Gvir’s fourth incursion since October 7, 2023, and the seventh overall since becoming an Israeli minister.

It coincided with the week-long Jewish holiday of Hanukkah, which started on Thursday.

Condemnation

Jordan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Ben-Gvir’s storming of the complex, saying he is “violating its sanctity, in a blatant violation of international law and an attempt to impose temporal and spatial division.”

“This is a provocative step that is rejected and condemned and a violation of the historical and legal status quo in the Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram Al-Sharif, and of the obligations of Israel, the occupying power, in occupied Jerusalem,” the Ministry said on X.

An official with the Jordan-run Islamic Endowments Department in Jerusalem said Ben-Gvir entered the site under heavy police protection and toured the mosque’s courtyard.

The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also condemned Ben-Gvir’s violation of the complex and warned “of the occupation plan’s targeting Jerusalem and its sacred sites.”

Pushing for Jewish Prayers

During one of his incursions into the Al-Aqsa compound in August, Ben-Gvir reportedly claimed that significant progress had been made in imposing Israeli sovereignty and authority over what he called the Temple Mount, stating, “Our policy is to permit Jewish prayer here”.

‘Blatant Violation’ – Ben-Gvir Storms Al-Aqsa with Thousands of Settlers

Since 2003, Israel has allowed illegal Jewish settlers into the compound on an almost daily basis except Fridays and Saturdays, the Anadolu news agency reported.

Israel occupied East Jerusalem, where Al Aqsa is located, during the 1967 Arab-Israeli War. and annexed the entire city in 1980. The  international community has never recognized the move, reported Anadolu.

(PC, Anadolu)

(The Palestine Chronicle is a registered 501(c)3 organization, thus, all donations are tax deductible.)
Our Vision For Liberation: Engaged Palestinian Leaders & Intellectuals Speak Out

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


*