Israeli Minister's Controversial Prayer Stirs Tensions at Jerusalem Holy Site

Itamar Ben-Gvir's recent prayers at a disputed holy site in Jerusalem have sparked outrage among Palestinians and international observers, reigniting concerns over the status quo of one of the Middle East's most sensitive locations.

Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s far-right National Security Minister, has ignited controversy after praying at the contentious holy site in occupied East Jerusalem, a move that breaches a longstanding arrangement regarding the sacred location. Known as Haram al-Sharif to Muslims and the Temple Mount to Jews, Ben-Gvir's visit has been met with outrage as it has traditionally permitted Jewish visits without any form of prayer.

Images and video footage circulated on social media depict Ben-Gvir leading Jewish prayers at the site, which includes the al-Aqsa Mosque compound, sparking backlash from various factions. The Israeli prime minister's office emphasized that the country’s policy, which maintains a status quo allowing only Muslim worship, remains unchanged despite the minister’s actions.

Jordan, the custodian of the site, labeled Ben-Gvir's visit “an unacceptable provocation,” while Hamas criticized it as an extension of ongoing aggressions against Palestinians. A spokesperson for Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas condemned the prayer, asserting that it “crossed all red lines.”

The site's significance cannot be understated; it is deemed the holiest location for Jews, representing the site of two Biblical temples, and the third holiest for Muslims, as it is believed to be where the Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven. Israel captured the site from Jordan during the 1967 Middle East war, and since then, Jordan has maintained its role as custodian while Israel oversees security and access.

Palestinian residents have expressed increasing frustration over what they perceive as Israel undermining the established arrangements, particularly as instances of Jewish visitors praying have reportedly gone unchecked by Israeli authorities in recent years. The Waqf, the Islamic body managing the site, confirmed that Ben-Gvir was among the 1,250 Jewish individuals who visited the compound on a single Sunday morning.

This visit marks a significant escalation for Ben-Gvir, who previously visited the site without openly praying there. Accompanied by police officers, he made a statement while at the site, addressing recent "horrific" footage released by Hamas of hostages and asserting a need for their return. Additionally, he reiterated a controversial stance advocating for the occupation of the Gaza Strip and promoting what he termed as the “voluntary emigration” of Palestinians, a claim critics argue could lead to forced displacement, potentially amounting to war crimes.

Ben-Gvir's actions have drawn international scrutiny, particularly from the UK, which has imposed sanctions against him for “repeated incitements of violence” against Palestinian communities in the occupied West Bank.