Israeli minister Ben-Gvir and settlers enter Al-Aqsa Mosque compound

Israeli Minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir entered the Al‑Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem on Thursday, accompanied by a group of settlers, in an action that contravened the long‑standing status‑quo arrangement that limits Israeli presence on the site. The compound, which is administered by the Jordanian Waqf and is a focal point of religious and political tensions, has been governed by an agreement dating back to 1967 that restricts the number of Israeli visitors and prohibits the use of the area for political or religious demonstrations.

The incursion followed a series of earlier incidents in which Israeli officials and supporters have sought to assert greater control over the site. The Israeli Interior Ministry and the Waqf have both condemned the move, citing the potential for escalating tensions in a region already fraught with conflict. The Israeli police detained several participants and have begun an investigation into the breach of the status‑quo protocol.

The event has drawn international attention, with several governments and international bodies urging restraint and a return to the established agreements. The Israeli government has stated that it will review the incident to prevent future violations, while the Waqf has called for renewed dialogue to preserve the site's sanctity and the delicate balance of Jerusalem’s religious landscape.