Israel’s far-right Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, visited Al-Aqsa Mosque in the early hours of the morning under the intense protection of the Israeli police. Ben Gvir, who took office last week and is known for his racist and discriminatory statements against Palestinians, became the first Israeli Minister to visit Al-Aqsa Mosque in five years.
“The Temple Mount is the most important place for the people of Israel. We maintain freedom of movement for Muslims and Christians, but Jews also go up to the site, and those who make threats must be dealt with with an iron fist,” he said.
On the other hand, a statement from the Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs described Ben-Gvir’s move as an “unprecedented provocation” and condemned it.