Far-Right Israeli Minister Prays At Flashpoint Holy Site As Aid Massacres Continue In Gaza
HuffPost
National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's visit to the Jerusalem site threatens to further hinder efforts by mediators to reach a permanent ceasefire.
Warning: Graphic images below.
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — A far-right Israeli minister visited and prayed at Jerusalem’s most sensitive holy site on Sunday, triggering regional condemnation and fears that the provocative move could further escalate tensions. The visit came as hospitals in Gaza reported that 27 more Palestinians seeking food aid were killed by Israeli fire.
With Israel already facing global criticism over famine-like conditions in the besieged strip, the visit by Itamar Ben-Gvir to the hillside compound threatened to further set back efforts by international mediators to halt Israel’s nearly two-year military offensive in the Gaza Strip.
The area, which Jews call the Temple Mount, is the holiest site in Judaism and was home to the ancient biblical temples. Muslims call the site the Noble Sanctuary. Today it is home to the Al Aqsa Mosque, the third-holiest site in Islam.
Visits are considered a provocation across the Muslim world and openly praying violates a longstanding status quo at the combustible site.
