Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir Defies Status Quo with Al-Aqsa Visit, Calls for Gaza Reoccupation

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir made a controversial visit to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in East Jerusalem on Sunday, a move that breaks with a long-standing agreement governing the sensitive site. During his visit, Ben-Gvir issued a forceful call for Israel to reoccupy the Gaza Strip.

In a video shared on the social media platform X, Ben-Gvir stated, "From here, we must send a clear message: to conquer all of the Gaza Strip, assert sovereignty over it, eliminate every Hamas member, and promote voluntary Palestinian migration from Gaza." He further added, "This is the only path to recovering hostages and securing victory in the war."

Despite a ban on prayer at the site for non-Muslims, Ben-Gvir reportedly prayed at Al-Aqsa, with police officers present who did not intervene, according to Israeli state media Kan TV.

The visit drew sharp criticism from Arab states, including Jordan and Saudi Arabia. The Palestinian Authority's Ministry of Awqaf and Religious Affairs condemned the action as a deliberate provocation to Muslims worldwide.

In response to growing tensions, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office issued a statement emphasizing that Israel's commitment to preserving the status quo at the Al-Aqsa compound remains unchanged.

The Al-Aqsa Mosque complex, situated in East Jerusalem—a territory Israel occupied in the 1967 Middle East war and later annexed—is administered by Jordan's Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs via its Jerusalem department, although Israeli police maintain security.

Traditionally, while Jewish visitors have been permitted at the site, they have been barred from engaging in religious prayers there. However, recent years have seen an increase in prayer activities by far-right Israeli extremists at the compound, raising concerns about stability in the region.