Israeli Minister Prays at Al-Aqsa Compound, Sparks Regional Tensions

Israeli far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir sparked widespread condemnation after openly praying at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in East Jerusalem, a site sacred to both Muslims and Jews that is governed by a decades-old status quo banning non-Muslim prayer. Ben-Gvir's visit on Tisha B'av, a Jewish fast day mourning the destruction of ancient temples, defied the longstanding agreement administered by Jordan and upheld by Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who asserted that the status quo remains unchanged. The Palestinian Authority, Hamas, and Jordan condemned the act as a provocation and escalation, calling for international intervention to prevent further violence and humanitarian crises. Ben-Gvir, known for his ultra-nationalist views and calls for Israel to conquer Gaza and encourage voluntary Palestinian emigration, prayed for Israeli victory over Hamas and the release of Israeli hostages. His actions have heightened regional tensions amid ongoing conflict and humanitarian concerns in Gaza. Despite the backlash, Israeli authorities maintain that the policy restricting non-Muslim worship at the site has not been altered.