The extremist Jewish minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has entered and performed worship at Masjid Al-Aqsa, the third holiest site for Muslims located in Jerusalem, Palestine. He is one of the most powerful ministers in Jewish Israel who is working most aggressively and vocally advocating for the elimination of Palestine. Although Jews are allowed to enter the Al-Aqsa compound, worship there is prohibited. The Al-Aqsa Waqf Foundation stated that Ben-Gvir, along with a group of about a thousand Jews, entered the mosque, loudly chanting, dancing, and worshipping. Two videos showing these scenes have also been circulated on social media.
In a statement, Ben-Gvir said he performed worship at Masjid Al-Aqsa to celebrate victory over Hamas, the group working for Palestinian rights. He also called for bringing the entire Gaza under Jewish control and allowing Jews to worship at Masjid Al-Aqsa. Ben-Gvir, who is the National Security Minister of the Jewish state, has previously entered Masjid Al-Aqsa multiple times, mocking and harassing Muslims.
A spokesperson for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said that by desecrating Masjid Al-Aqsa, Ben-Gvir has crossed all red lines. He added that this act is another addition to the inhumane crimes being committed by Jewish Israel against Palestinian Muslims, and that Israel’s ongoing crimes must be stopped immediately.
