BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 28. Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound during the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, according to a video released by his office.
The footage shows the far-right Israeli politician entering the site under the protection of Israeli police. He reportedly performed religious rituals there.
Under the 1967 “status quo” arrangements governing the compound, the Israeli government allows the Jordanian-appointed Waqf, which administers the site, to maintain day-to-day control of the area. Under the existing arrangements, only Muslims are permitted to pray at the compound.
Ben-Gvir’s visit comes amid continued sensitivity surrounding access and religious practices at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, one of Jerusalem’s most contested religious sites.Excerpt
