Palestinian Guards Held As Fiery Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir Enters Al-Aqsa With Settlers
Three Palestinian guards stationed at the Al-Aqsa Mosque were detained by Israeli police on Sunday after far-right Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir entered the sacred site accompanied by thousands of settlers.
As per the Ministry of Islamic Endowments, the arrested guards were identified as Muhammad Teena, Muhammad Badran, and Ahmad Abu Aliya, according to a report by Al Jazeera.
Earlier that day, Ben-Gvir, Israel’s Minister of National Security, visited the compound located in occupied East Jerusalem, marking the Jewish day of mourning, Tisha B’Av. He was joined by more than 1,000 Israeli settlers, including individuals from the ultra-nationalist Temple Mount group.
Some accounts indicate that the number of visitors may have touched 3,000. Though the visit took place during allotted hours, Jewish prayers at the site are forbidden under the long-standing arrangements known as the “status quo”.
Defying this norm, Ben-Gvir openly offered prayers at the compound, becoming the first sitting minister to do so publicly. His actions prompted strong criticism from Palestinian leadership, as well as from Jordan and Saudi Arabia.
According to the decades-old “status quo” understanding with Muslim authorities, the Al-Aqsa complex is managed by a Jordanian religious trust. While Jewish individuals are permitted to visit the location, praying there remains prohibited.
Nabil Abu Rudeineh, spokesperson for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, termed Ben-Gvir’s visit as provocative and highly dangerous. Jordan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs also criticised the act, calling on Israel to avoid moves that might worsen tensions.
During his visit, Ben-Gvir reiterated his call for Israel to annex the Gaza Strip and encouraged the emigration of Palestinians. “This is the only way to bring our hostages back and achieve victory in the war,” he stated.
His comments came soon after Hamas released disturbing videos of hostages in captivity, including a clip showing 24-year-old Evyatar David in deteriorating condition. Ben-Gvir condemned the footage and used it to defend his controversial remarks.
Meanwhile, the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu clarified following the visit that Israel’s approach to preserving the status quo at the compound “has not changed and will not change.”
