Israel’s ultra right-wing national security minister has been condemned as ‘provocative’ and ‘dangerous’ after visiting Al Aqsa mosque in occupied Jerusalem yesterday.
The visit by Itamar Ben-Gvir – his second since becoming a member of Israel’s government – was denounced as a flagrant challenge to the feelings of Muslims and Palestinians and Islamic and Arab sovereignty over the Al Haram Al Sharif.
Key institutions and Palestinian, Islamic and Arab officials denounced the move, as well as the holding of an Israeli cabinet meeting inside the tunnel beneath the Western Wall.
Ben-Gvir entered the courtyards of Al Aqsa Mosque and performed his prayers in the eastern region and the Bab Al Rahma area for 30 minutes yesterday, accompanied by the head of the ‘Temple Mount’ organisation manager.
The minister stated: “Hamas threats will not prevent us from being here. We are the owners of the house on the Temple Mount, and this belongs to us, and no one else, and it is important for everyone.”
The Saudi foreign ministry strongly condemned Bin-Gvir’s visit as a flagrant violation of all international norms and covenants and a provocation to the feelings of Muslims around the world.
It held the Israeli forces fully responsible for the repercussions of the continuation of such abuses.
Jordan criticised Ben-Gvir’s actions as ‘provocative’ and a ‘dangerous and unacceptable escalation’ that represented ‘a flagrant and unacceptable violation of international law, and of the historical and legal status quo in Jerusalem and its holy sites’.
The Islamic Waqf echoed both government’s comments, adding that it was delusional to think such action would achieve his dreams and goals of Judaising Al Aqsa Mosque.
It said that the cabinet meeting was equally a clear and systematic provocation against the city’s Arab-Islamic history and heritage, he said.
The Grand Mufti of Jerusalem and the Palestinian territories, the preacher of the Al Aqsa Mosque, Mohammed Hussein, said the incursions by ministers and Knesset members would not change the landmark’s existing legal, religious and historical status as an Islamic mosque for Muslims alone.
Nabil Abu Rudeineh, official spokesman for the PA presidency, said the minister’s tour was a dangerous act, and called on the US, to take immediate action to restrain Israel.
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