Jerusalem — Israel’s far-right National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, sparked global outrage on Sunday after visiting the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and leading Jewish prayers there, reported the Indian Express.
The compound, sacred to both Muslims and Jews, is governed by a decades-old “status quo” agreement. Under this arrangement, Jews may visit but cannot pray or stage political displays. The site is administered by a Jordanian religious body and is intended solely for Muslim worship.
Ben-Gvir’s visit broke this long-standing understanding. His actions were seen internationally as a deliberate provocation. During the visit, he led a prayer group and repeated his demand for Israel to “declare sovereignty over Gaza.”
Palestinian leaders and governments worldwide condemned the visit. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’s spokesperson, Nabil Abu Rudeineh, called it a clear violation of all “red lines.” He urged international powers, especially the U.S., to intervene and stop Israeli provocations at Al-Aqsa and in Gaza.
Jordan, which holds custodianship over the mosque, called Ben-Gvir’s actions “an unacceptable provocation and a reprehensible escalation.” Its Foreign Ministry stressed that “Israel has no sovereignty over Al-Aqsa Mosque,” and labeled the move a breach of international and humanitarian law.
Saudi Arabia also condemned the visit. It said the act was one of several “provocative practices” by Israeli officials. The Kingdom warned such actions only “fuel the conflict in the region.” It also voiced concern about the repeated desecration of Islamic holy sites.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif denounced the visit. He called it “a direct assault on international law and the collective conscience of humanity.” He warned that it inflamed tensions in Palestine and the region, risking more instability in the Middle East.
Ben-Gvir, known for his controversial politics, has visited Al-Aqsa before. But this time, his public prayer at the site openly defied the status quo. The move has raised fears of new unrest in Jerusalem and across the region.
