Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound alongside hundreds of Israelis under heavy guard and declared that 'we are the owners of the place,' according to Al Jazeera.
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Key facts
- Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir took part in the visit, according to Al Jazeera.
- Hundreds of Israelis entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound.
- Al Jazeera described the entry as a heavily guarded incursion.
- Ben-Gvir declared 'we are the owners of the place in Al-Aqsa,' according to Al Jazeera.
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir joined hundreds of Israelis in entering the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in what Al Jazeera described as a heavily guarded incursion.
During the visit, Ben-Gvir declared that ‘we are the owners of the place in Al-Aqsa,’ according to Al Jazeera’s reporting.
The Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, known to Jews as the Temple Mount, is among the most sensitive religious sites in the region and is holy to both Muslims and Jews. Access to it has long been governed by delicate arrangements under which non-Muslims may visit but not worship.
Beyond the minister’s presence and his declaration, further specific details of the event were not provided in the available source material. Al Jazeera’s report focused on the participation of the national security minister alongside the large group of Israelis and on his statement asserting ownership of the site.
Why it matters
The Al-Aqsa Mosque compound is one of the most contested and religiously significant sites in the region, and actions there by senior officials can carry wide political and religious ramifications. A declaration of ownership by a senior Israeli minister during a large, guarded entry is likely to draw close attention from observers concerned about tensions at the site.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Itamar Ben-Gvir?
According to Al Jazeera, Itamar Ben-Gvir is Israel's national security minister, who joined the entry into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound.
What did Ben-Gvir say during the visit?
Al Jazeera reported that Ben-Gvir declared 'we are the owners of the place in Al-Aqsa' during the incursion.
How many people took part?
Al Jazeera reported that hundreds of Israelis joined the heavily guarded entry into the compound.
Timeline
- Ben-Gvir joins hundreds of Israelis to storm Al-Aqsa Mosque compound
Al Jazeera: Israeli national security minister declares 'we are the owners of the place in Al-Aqsa' amid heavily guarded incursion.