Israel's Ben Gvir Claims 'Ownership' of Al-Aqsa Mosque, Seeks Greater Access
Originally: Israel’s Ben Gvir says he feels like the 'owner' of Al-Aqsa Mosque compound
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Itamar Ben Gvir, Israel’s National Security Minister, stated on Sunday that he feels like the 'owner' of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem. His comments came during a controversial visit to the site, which had recently reopened to Palestinian worshippers after a 40-day closure. Ben Gvir expressed a desire for increased access for Jewish worshippers, stating, 'There is still more to do, more to improve.' His remarks have raised concerns about potential changes to the longstanding Status Quo governing the site, which restricts Jewish prayer. The situation reflects ongoing tensions surrounding access to one of Islam's holiest sites and could further escalate regional instability.
Key Takeaways
- • Itamar Ben Gvir stated he feels like the 'owner' of Al-Aqsa Mosque during a visit on Sunday.
- • The mosque had been closed to Palestinian worshippers for over 40 days prior to its reopening.
- • Ben Gvir is pushing for greater access and prayer permits for Jewish visitors at the site.
- • Jordan condemned Ben Gvir's visit as a violation of the Status Quo agreement.
- • Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's office warned that such actions could destabilize the region.
Why This Matters
Ben Gvir's comments and actions highlight the increasing tensions over religious sites in Jerusalem, particularly Al-Aqsa Mosque, which is central to both Islamic and Jewish identities. The potential for changing access rules could lead to further unrest, reflecting broader issues of religious nationalism and territorial disputes in the region.
This summary was generated by AI from original reporting by Middle East Eye. Always verify important details with the original source.
