A huge controversy has arisen over Israel’s far-right leader and National Security Minister Ittemar Ben Givir visiting Al Aqsa Mosque on Tuesday and praying there. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s minister did not go alone to the mosque which has been the center of dispute between Palestine and Israel, but he entered the mosque along with hundreds of Israelis. Saudi Arabia is angry at Israel regarding this and America has also called it unacceptable.
On Tuesday, Jews were celebrating Tisha Be’Ab, or ‘Jewish Day of Mourning’, and Ben Givir entered the mosque premises to celebrate this day of mourning. The day of mourning is celebrated in memory of the ancient Jewish temple that was attacked and destroyed by the Romans in 70 BC.
Saudi Arabia has called the Israeli minister’s entry into Al-Aqsa Mosque an attack and condemned it. Saudi has said that the historical status quo of Jerusalem should be respected.
‘To millions of Muslims around the world…’
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying, ‘The Kingdom strongly condemns the Israeli occupation authorities and their perpetrators for the open and sustained attack on Al-Aqsa Mosque.’
Emphasis was laid on respecting religious sanctity in the statement. At the same time, Saudi Arabia warned that ‘continued violations of international law and the historical status quo of Jerusalem and provoking millions of Muslims around the world could have serious consequences.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry called on the international community to fulfill its responsibility to stop these continuous violations by Israel.
Importance of Al-Aqsa Mosque
The Al Aqsa Mosque is located in the third holiest site of Islam, known to Muslims as Al-Haram Al Sharif. The mosque complex also includes the Dome of the Rock.
The Israeli mosque complex is called Temple Mount and this site is considered the holiest place for Jews.
Jews and other non-Muslims are allowed to enter the mosque premises, but they cannot pray there or display any religious symbols.
But in recent years, far-right nationalist leaders like Ben Gvir have violated these restrictions. Due to these violations, there have been violent reactions from Palestinians.
Jordan also protested
Jordan is responsible for the security of Al-Aqsa Mosque. Jordan has also expressed strong objection to Ben Givir’s entry into the mosque premises.
Jordan’s Foreign Ministry also condemned the ‘attack’ on the mosque and called it a ‘gross violation of international law’.
“Continued violations of Jerusalem’s historical and legal status quo require a clear and firm international position that condemns these violations,” ministry spokesman Sufyan al-Qudah said in a statement.
What did America say?
Israel’s ally America has also called the Israeli minister’s entry into Al-Aqsa unacceptable. Speaking to reporters, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Vedant Patel said, ‘I want to say clearly that America stands firmly to protect the historical status quo with respect to the holy sites of Jerusalem.’
Vedant Patel said, ‘Any such unilateral action which threatens the status quo is unacceptable. We are working to finalize the ceasefire agreement (ceasefire in Israel-Hamas war), so this step also hinders the agreement.