Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem and offered prayers there. The site where Ben-Gvir prayed, located in East Jerusalem, is referred to by Jews as the “Temple Mount.”

According to the existing rules, Jews are allowed to visit the site but are not permitted to pray there. Ben-Gvir shared a video of his visit on his X (formerly Twitter) account, which sparked widespread outrage and condemnation from several Islamic nations.

Ben-Gvir’s visit coincided with Tisha B’Av, a solemn day of fasting and mourning in Judaism. This day commemorates various tragedies in Jewish history, including the destruction of the First and Second Temples in Jerusalem.

Current Status of the Compound

It is believed that King Solomon built two temples at this site for the Jewish people around 1000 BCE. For Muslims, it is the third holiest site in Islam, as it is believed that the Prophet Muhammad ascended to heaven from this location.
The only remaining part of the Jewish temple is a wall, known as the Western Wall or Wailing Wall.
For Christians, it is believed that Jesus was born near this wall, making it sacred to them as well.

In the 1967 war, Israel captured this area from Jordan. A subsequent agreement between the two countries allowed Jordan to remain the traditional custodian of the site, while Israel retains control over security and visitor access.
Clashes at the site are frequent.

What Did the Israeli PM and Islamic Nations Say?

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement following Ben-Gvir’s visit, emphasizing that Israel’s policy of maintaining the status quo at the Temple Mount has not changed and will not change.

However, countries including Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Jordan have strongly condemned the visit.
Jordan, the official custodian of the site, called Ben-Gvir’s visit a “provocative act.”
A spokesperson for Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas said the visit “crossed all red lines.”
Saudi Arabia also denounced the visit, saying such actions “fuel conflict in the region.”

What Did Pakistan Say?

Pakistan, notorious for religious intolerance within its own borders, also reacted sharply. A country that often targets religious minorities at home is now preaching peace to Israel.
Despite relying on others for its own security, Pakistan is attempting to lecture Jews on morality.

Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif wrote a long post on X condemning Ben-Gvir’s visit. He wrote,

“This desecration is not only an affront to Muslims worldwide but also a direct attack on international law and the conscience of humanity.”

He further stated, Such provocations endanger the prospects for peace. Israel’s shameless actions are deliberately inciting tensions in Palestine and across the region, pushing the Middle East toward greater conflict.”

Pakistan also called for peace in the region.