Israeli Security Minister's Controversial Prayer at the Al Aqsa Mosque's Significant Site Sparks Outrage Throughout the Muslim World
In a move that has sparked widespread controversy, the Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has announced its intention to fully occupy the Gaza Strip. This decision, which includes military operations targeting areas believed to hold hostages, aims to "free Gaza from the tyranny of these terrorists" (Hamas) [1].
The announcement comes despite internal dissent from military leaders and follows months of failed ceasefire and hostage negotiation talks. Itamar Ben Gvir, Israel’s far-right Public Security Minister, is a vocal advocate for this hardline stance, aligning with this approach, which faces some opposition even within Israel’s government and military [1][3].
This plan, if implemented, would involve harsh measures, including siege tactics that have severely deteriorated the humanitarian situation in Gaza [3]. The Palestinian Authority and neighboring Jordan have condemned these plans, with Jordan considering Ben Gvir's visit to the Temple Mount a "flagrant violation of the historic and legal 'statu quo'" [4].
Internationally, numerous countries and bodies, including the UK and the EU, have issued joint statements opposing any forced displacement or territorial changes that would undermine Palestinian rights or breach international law. They call for lifting aid restrictions, respecting humanitarian law, and pursuing an immediate ceasefire [2].
The Temple Mount, the third holiest site in Islam, has been a point of contention. It is under Israeli control since 1967 and was home to the First and Second Temples. Ben Gvir, the Israeli Minister of Security, visited the Temple Mount on Sunday and made a statement about occupying Gaza from the site [5]. He suggested declaring sovereignty over the entire territory of Gaza, expelling all Hamas members, and promoting voluntary migration to achieve this.
The Palestinian Authority and Jordanian authorities have denounced these actions, viewing them as a continuation of the extremist Israeli government's policy in the occupied West Bank. The Palestinian Authority believes that Ben Gvir's actions are part of a government policy aimed at eliminating the Palestinian cause and the rights of the Palestinian people [6].
The Jordanian government denounces the "continuous and unacceptable incursions" of Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank, with the Israeli Army providing protection and supervision for these settler attacks [7]. The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has denounced the increasing use of live ammunition by settlers in their attacks against Palestinian civilians.
This news has been met with concern about the legality and humanitarian consequences of full occupation policies. The international community is calling on Israel to reconsider its decision and pursue a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The Israeli government's decision to fully occupy the Gaza Strip, involving military operations and siege tactics, has stirred controversy amidst internal dissent and opposition from various countries and bodies. This move, advocated by Itamar Ben Gvir, Israel's Public Security Minister, aligns with his hardline stance and faces opposition within the government and military. The international community, including the UK and EU, has strongly opposed any forced displacement or territorial changes, calling for respect of humanitarian law, an immediate ceasefire, and the lifting of aid restrictions.
