Israeli Minister’s Prayer at Holy Site Triggers Outrage Among Palestinians and International Observers

The far-right Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's recent prayer at the contested Temple Mount has ignited significant backlash from Palestinian officials and Jordan, challenging long-standing arrangements governing the sensitive site.

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has faced intense criticism after he led a prayer at the contentious Temple Mount in East Jerusalem, a site sacred to both Jews and Muslims. The visit, documented through various photos and videos, marks a breach of a longstanding status quo that forbids Jewish prayer at the location, known to Muslims as Haram al-Sharif and home to the al-Aqsa Mosque.

Ben-Gvir, a prominent figure within Israel's far-right coalition, was seen openly praying at the mosque complex, an act that has sparked outrage across the Palestinian community and raised alarm among international observers. The Israeli Prime Minister's office insisted that there has been no shift in policy regarding the status quo, maintaining that only Muslim worship is permitted on the site.

Jordan, which plays a key role in overseeing the holy place, denounced Ben-Gvir’s actions as "an unacceptable provocation." Meanwhile, Hamas characterized the minister’s visit as a deepening aggression against Palestinians, and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas’s representative asserted that Ben-Gvir had "crossed all red lines" with his actions.

Historically, the site has been pivotal for both religious groups, being recognized as the holiest location for Jews, associated with the Biblical temples, and the third holiest site for Muslims. After being captured by Israel during the 1967 war, the status quo agreement allowed Jordan to maintain its custodial role while Israel managed security.

Palestinians have made serious allegations against Israel, claiming that recent incidents of Jewish visitors conducting prayers at the site are indicative of a systematic attempt to undermine the existing arrangements. The Waqf, the Islamic organization that governs the site, reported that over 1,250 Jews ascended to the compound on the same day Ben-Gvir led his prayer.

Although this is not Ben-Gvir's first visit to the Temple Mount, it is reportedly the first instance in which he prayed during his time there, flanked by security forces. During his visit, he expressed frustration over a video released by Hamas showing Israeli hostages in distress, implying that these actions aim to exert pressure on the Israeli government. He reiterated aggressive hawkish stances about the Gaza Strip, suggesting forced displacement of Palestinians, which experts warn could amount to war crimes.

Ben-Gvir's actions, sanctioned by the UK for inciting violence against Palestinians, have exacerbated tensions and raised further questions about the fragile nature of peace and security in the region.