Kathmandu— Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem on Monday. Accompanied by several rabbis, settlers, and security personnel, Ben-Gvir performed Talmudic prayers and rituals in the eastern section of the mosque's courtyards, calling for a Jewish temple to be built at the site. This act violates the status quo arrangement that prohibits non-Muslims from praying there.

Status Quo Violation

The incursion by Ben-Gvir and his group marks a significant violation of the status quo established in 1967, which forbids non-Muslim prayer at Al-Aqsa. This arrangement has been in place to maintain peace and respect for the site's religious significance to Muslims worldwide.

Ben-Gvir’s Provocative Remarks

During his incursion, Ben-Gvir performed Talmudic prayers and rituals, calling for a Jewish temple to be built on the site. He stated, 'Today we see redemption… there must be a temple… but little by little.' These remarks have been widely condemned as provocative and inflammatory.

Political Context

Ben-Gvir is known for his far-right views and has previously stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound several times since taking office in 2022. His actions are part of a broader settler movement that seeks to alter the site’s Islamic identity and establish Jewish control over it.

Local Reaction

The Jerusalem governorate strongly condemned Ben-Gvir's incursion, describing it as a dangerous escalation and a violation of Al-Aqsa's historical and legal status. The move is seen as an attempt to impose new realities at the site and alter its Islamic identity.

(With inputs from Al Jazeera)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.