Palestinian Leaders Condemn Ben Gvir's Synagogue Proposal at Al-Aqsa Mosque
The Palestinian Presidency and Hamas have denounced Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir's recent calls to establish a synagogue within Al-Aqsa Mosque, labeling them as extremely dangerous. Presidential spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeina stated that such proposals threaten to ignite a religious conflict and warned that any harm to Al-Aqsa is a 'red line' for the Palestinian people. He urged the international community, particularly the United States, to intervene and prevent further provocations from the Israeli government.
Abu Rudeina emphasized that the area surrounding Al-Aqsa, which covers 144 dunums, is exclusively Muslim territory. He criticized the U.S. for its political, military, and financial support of Israel, claiming it emboldens extremist actions against Palestinians and their holy sites. The Palestinian Foreign Ministry echoed these sentiments, warning that Ben Gvir's statements are tantamount to a call for the demolition of Al-Aqsa and the construction of a so-called temple in its place.
Escalating Tensions and Calls for Action
The situation has escalated with Ben Gvir's recent public statement on Israeli Army Radio, where he reiterated his intentions to build a synagogue at what he refers to as the Temple Mount. This has been met with strong opposition from Palestinian leaders, who argue that such actions are part of a broader strategy to Judaize East Jerusalem and undermine its Islamic identity. Sheikh Ikrimah Sabri, the imam of Al-Aqsa Mosque, described Ben Gvir's claims as unfounded and indicative of a failure to achieve his previous objectives.
Hamas has also condemned Ben Gvir's provocations, stating that such extremist policies only fuel resistance among the Palestinian people to protect their sacred sites. The call for international intervention is growing, as Palestinian authorities seek to mobilize Arab and Islamic nations to pressure Israel into halting its aggressive actions and respecting the historical status of Al-Aqsa Mosque.
- The tensions surrounding Al-Aqsa Mosque have been a flashpoint in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict for decades. Al-Aqsa is considered the third holiest site in Islam, while it is also revered by Jews as the location of the ancient Temple. The competing claims to this sacred site have led to numerous confrontations and unrest in the region.
- In recent years, the Israeli government's policies have increasingly favored Jewish access to the site, leading to fears among Palestinians of a systematic effort to alter the status quo. The international community's response has often been criticized as insufficient, especially given the volatile nature of the situation and the potential for wider conflict.
