Ben‑Gvir enters Al‑Aqsa mosque with settlers

A far‑right Israeli minister entered the Al‑Aqsa Mosque compound in East Jerusalem on Friday, accompanied by a group of settlers who were protected by Israeli security forces. The Al‑Aqsa site, the third most sacred location in Islam after Mecca and Medina, has long been a flashpoint for Israeli‑Palestinian tensions. The minister’s visit, which was publicly announced by the Israeli government, drew sharp criticism from Palestinian officials and international observers, who warned that the presence of settlers and Israeli troops could inflame the already volatile situation.

The visit took place amid a broader pattern of Israeli policy that has seen increased settler activity in the Old City. The minister, a prominent figure in the far‑right coalition, stated that the trip was intended to affirm Israel’s historical and religious claim to the area. Palestinian authorities condemned the action as a violation of the status quo that had been maintained under the 1967 borders and the 1994 Oslo Accords. The Israeli Defense Forces maintained that the security presence was necessary to prevent clashes and to ensure the safety of all parties involved.

International reactions have been mixed, with some Western governments urging restraint and others expressing support for Israel’s right to protect its citizens. The incident underscores the fragile nature of the peace process and highlights the ongoing challenges of balancing religious significance, security concerns, and the rights of the Palestinian population in the contested heart of Jerusalem.