Sharjah 24 – AFP: Far-right Israeli minister Itamar Ben Gvir led thousands of Jews in prayer at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in east Jerusalem on Tuesday, violating a ban on Jewish prayer at the site. The compound, which is Islam's third holiest site, was the scene of Ben Gvir's provocative visit amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
Ben Gvir, who has frequently defied the Israeli government's restrictions, filmed a video during the visit declaring his intention to "defeat Hamas" in Gaza. The move has drawn sharp global condemnation, with critics including the US, EU, UN, and several Muslim-majority countries.
Jordan’s foreign ministry and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation condemned the visit as a breach of international law and a provocation. The UN and EU also criticised the action, calling it provocative and unhelpful.
Ben Gvir's visit, which coincided with the Jewish mourning day of Tisha Be'Av, included around 2,250 Israelis walking through the compound, singing hymns and praying. The visit has been met with increased tensions and restrictions, affecting Muslim worshippers at the site.
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