Israel's far-right minister’s visit to Al-Aqsa mosque causes concerns
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New Delhi: Israel's extreme-right minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s visit to the Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque has irked Palestinians, while the US also expressed concern over the development.
Itamar Ben-Gvir, who has a history of inflammatory statements, has been given a key security position in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's new government
Observes think the visit could be considered by Palestinian side as a provocation, leading to breach the flimsy peace prevailing in the region.
As the Al-Aqsa mosque is holy place to both Jews and Muslims, Israel’s unilateral move has enraged Palestinians.
However Ben-Gvir stated that the Israel administration would not surrender to the threats of Hamas.
Meanwhile, Hamas reportedly warned that any such move could be a “red line”.
As the situation is beginning to spiral into a crisis, the US issued a warning against any change in the status quo in the region.
White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said the United States stands firmly for preservation of status quo regarding the sites in Jerusalem.
Alongside, the US State Department spokesman Ned Price separately said the United States was "deeply concerned" by the visit of Itamar Ben-Gvir.
Ben-Gvir's visit comes days after he took office as national security minister, which gives away the direction to which Israel’s new administration is heading.
Al-Aqsa mosque, the third-holiest place in Islam, is also the most sacred site to Jews, who calls it the compound, Temple Mount.
A historic status quo for the area does not allow non-Muslim to pray there while still allowing them to visit.
However, a growing number of Jews are covertly praying on the compound which they call the Temple Mount.
Palestinians have called out the Israeli’s nationals’ covert prayer at the compound.
It is in the context Ben-Gvir reportedly said: "The Temple Mount is the most important place for the people of Israel, and we maintain the freedom of movement for Muslims and Christians, but Jews will also go up to the mount, and those who make threats must be dealt with -- with an iron hand".
The compound, which is lying within east Jerusalem annexed by Israel, is administered by Jordan's Waqf Islamic affairs council. Israeli forces are controlling access to the compound.