Israeli extremist national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited the al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem, a holy site for Muslims and Jews, to pray amidst ceasefire talks in Gaza. He prayed for the return of Israeli hostages and urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to continue the military campaign. The visit drew condemnation from Jordan and the US National Security Council for being counterproductive to peace and security. Ben-Gvir’s past visits to the site have been seen as provocative, sparking protests and violence. The delicate balance at the holy site has been disrupted by the rise of extremist Israeli settlers, causing tensions between Muslims and Jews. Ben-Gvir’s visit is seen as a symbol of nationalistic triumphalism and a flexing of muscle by hardline ministers in Netanyahu’s government who oppose a ceasefire deal. The visit comes ahead of Netanyahu’s trip to the US and amidst negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza. The situation at the al-Aqsa mosque compound remains highly sensitive, with efforts to bring the site under Israeli control causing heightened tensions. Netanyahu’s statement that “Muslims pray on the Temple Mount, non-Muslims visit” encapsulates the complex and volatile dynamic at the holy site.
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