US EditionIsraeli Minister Prays at Flashpoint Holy Site as Officials Say 33 Aid-Seekers Killed in Gaza (Copy)
JERUSALEM DISTRICT, ISRAEL, AUG 4 – Itamar Ben-Gvir’s visit violated a long-standing prayer ban at the Jerusalem holy site and drew condemnation from Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and others amid ongoing Gaza conflict and 27 deaths reported that day.
- On August 3, 2025, Ben-Gvir visited and prayed at Jerusalem’s al-Aqsa mosque compound, sparking regional condemnation for breaching long-standing norms.
- Reigniting controversial rhetoric, Ben-Gvir called for annexing the Gaza Strip and encouraging Palestinian emigration after Hamas released distressing videos showing emaciated Israeli hostages.
- Breaching the status quo, Itamar Ben-Gvir's visit violated the prohibition on prayer at Aqsa, prompting condemnation from Jordan as a provocation and Saudi Arabia as a violation of international law.
- Reports show Gaza hospitals recorded 27 Palestinians seeking food aid were killed by Israeli fire during the visit, potentially hindering efforts to end Gaza's military offensive.
- Despite the backlash, Netanyahu’s office affirmed that the status quo norms at the site remain unchanged, with visits by Israeli officials viewed as provocations across the Muslim world.
29 Articles
29 Articles
Itamar Ben-Gvir: Why far-right Israeli minister's visit to Al Aqsa mosque site risks inflaming tensions
The Al Aqsa compound sits atop the Temple Mount in Jerusalem, which is considered holy in Islam, Judaism and Christianity, and has been a flashpoint during the Israel-Hamas war.
Minister’s prayers at holy site raise stir | Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip -- A far-right Israeli minister visited and prayed at Jerusalem's most sensitive holy site on Sunday, triggering regional condemnation and fears that the provocative move could further escalate tensions. The visit came as hospitals in Gaza said 33 more Palestinians seeking food aid were killed by Israeli fire.
Jerusalem prayer visit gives rise to tensions
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — A far-right Israeli minister visited and prayed at Jerusalem's most sensitive holy site on Sunday, triggering regional condemnation and fears that the provocative move could further escalate tensions. The visit came as hospitals in Gaza…
The Press of Atlantic City
Tensions rise amid official's Jerusalem prayer visit
DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — A far-right Israeli minister visited and prayed at Jerusalem's most sensitive holy site on Sunday, triggering regional condemnation and fears that the provocative move could further escalate tensions. The visit came as hospitals in Gaza…
Far-right Israeli minister sparks outrage by praying at flashpoint Al-Aqsa mosque compound
Far-right Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir sparked regional outrage Sunday by visiting Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa compound, a flashpoint where non-Muslim prayer is banned. His presence defied longstanding norms as Gaza reeled from deadly aid chaos and deepening famine.
Fears Israeli minister’s provocative visit to holy site in Jerusalem could set back ceasefire talks
A far-right Israeli minister visited and prayed at Jerusalem’s most sensitive holy site yesterday, triggering regional condemnation and fears that the provocative move could further escalate tensions. The visit came as hospitals in Gaza said 33 more Palestinians seeking food aid were killed by Israeli fire.
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