A huge controversy has erupted over Israel’s far-right leader and Minister of National Security Affairs Itamar Ben Givir’s visit to the Al Aqsa Mosque and offering prayers there on Tuesday. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s minister did not go alone to the mosque, which has been the center of the dispute between Palestine and Israel, but he entered the mosque with hundreds of Israelis. Saudi Arabia is furious with Israel over this and the US has also called it unacceptable.
On Tuesday, Jews were observing Tisha Be’Ab, or ‘Jewish Day of Mourning’, and Ben Givir entered the mosque premises to observe this day of mourning. The day of mourning is observed to commemorate the destruction of the ancient Jewish temple by the Romans in 70 BC.
Saudi Arabia has called the Israeli minister’s entry into the Al-Aqsa Mosque an attack and condemned it. Saudi has said that the historical status quo of Jerusalem should be respected.
Saudi Arabia’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement saying, ‘The Kingdom strongly condemns the open and continuous attack on Al-Aqsa Mosque by the Israeli occupation authorities and those who commit crimes there.
The statement stressed respect for religious sanctity. Saudi Arabia also warned that ‘continued violations of international law and the historical status quo of Jerusalem and provocations to 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 continued violations by Israel.
The Al Aqsa Mosque is located at the third holiest site in 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 the Temple Mount and this site is considered the holiest place for the Jews.
Jews and other non-Muslims are allowed inside the mosque premises, but they cannot pray there or display any religious symbols.
But in recent years, far-right nationalist leaders such as Ben Gvir have violated these restrictions. These violations have often led to violent reactions from Palestinians.
Jordan is responsible for the security of the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Jordan has also strongly objected to Ben Gvir’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”.
The continued violations of the historical and legal status quo of Jerusalem require a clear and firm international position condemning these violations,” ministry spokesman Sufian 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 spokesman Vedant Patel said, ‘I want to clearly state that America stands firmly to protect the historical status quo regarding the holy sites of Jerusalem.
Vedant Patel said, ‘Any such unilateral action that threatens the status quo is unacceptable. We are working to finalise the ceasefire (ceasefire in Israel-Hamas war) agreement, so this step also hinders the agreement.
Source (PTI) (NDTV) (HINDUSTANTIMES)