Hamas has strongly denounced Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s recent visit to Al-Aqsa Mosque complex in East Jerusalem as a provocative act intended to ignite religious conflict. They hold him personally responsible and argue he is playing with fire and endangering regional stability by playing such games.
Ben-Gvir’s Controversial Visit Ben-Gvir, head of the Jewish Power party and major figure in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition government, entered Al-Aqsa compound this week – marking another visit that challenges Israel’s restrictions against Jewish worship at Al-Aqsa. These visits challenge Israeli law that bars Jews from worshipping there. reuters.com +15 (Ben-Gvir visits Al-Aqsa before entering Israeli courts )
Although he did not violate rules against prayer, Palestinians saw his presence along with videos proclaiming Jewish sovereignty and calls to pray publicly as an assault against the Muslim sanctity of the compound.
Ben-Gvir’s entry drew swift condemnation from Palestinian leaders as well as international alarm, including Jordan (which oversees Muslim holy sites in Jerusalem) and France condemning it for upsetting the delicate “status quo” governing the compound for decades ( Haaretz.com and Reuter.com + 12 ).
Hamas Issues Stern Warning
Hamas described Israel’s visit as an act of dangerous escalation that represents part of their agenda to Judaize Muslim holy sites, according to their interpretation. As part of its response statement issued after this visit took place, they asserted:
*”The Palestinian occupation government’s decision to fund Zionist tours of Al-Aqsa Mosque represents a dangerous escalation and playing with fire will carry full responsibility.” aljazeera.com + 2 by Al Jazeera (+ 2) by Palistine Chronicle and MiddleEast Eye as follows; [ + 2 >>].
Hamas harshly condemned Israel for financing settler access to one of Islam’s holiest sites, Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, warning that such steps inevitably escalate into violence. Hamas then called upon Palestinians and all global Muslims to rally together and protect its sanctity by uniting to push back against what they perceive to be Israeli incursions onto Palestinian territory and Al-Aqsa as part of an unified front against Israeli incursion. For more on this story please see palstinechronicle.com.
Historical Precedent and International Reaction
Ben-Gvir’s actions have caused multiple international uproars before this. For instance, his visit to a compound during Ramadan caused widespread controversy that resulted in condemnations by countries like Britain and France and brought warnings of potential religious war from Palestinian leaders. [reuters.com = 5].
Historely, such provocations have resulted in violent outbreaks. Al-Aqsa clashes like those in April 2023 quickly escalated from Israeli incursions into rocket exchanges and full-scale warfare.
Religious Flashpoint: The Al-Aqsa compound is both Islam’s third holiest site and Judaism’s holiest, which makes its status quo delicate: Jewish prayer on Temple Mount must remain forbidden while permitting supervised visits; any deviation risks widespread unrest.
Regional Dynamics: Hamas’ rhetoric of religious conflict taps into larger narratives, warning against Israeli policies that threaten peace throughout the Middle East.
Political Calculations: Ben-Gvir’s visits reverberate domestically, invigorating far-right Israeli and settler voters by asserting claims to historical and religious rights. Critics view his presence as brinkmanship that could heighten instability.
International Repercussions: Responses by the UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Norway have included sanctions on Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Smotrich as a response for incitement and threats to peace processes (sources include Wikipedia.org; Reuter’s; The Guardian.com. Time.com.).
Outlook
With Hamas viewing Ben-Gvir’s move as an existential threat to Muslim identity and regional stability, tensions could escalate rapidly and lead to protests, intercommunal clashes or even military flare-ups in response. The potential for renewed unrest remains high.
Israel now faces an immense balancing act between satisfying domestic political demands from religious right factions while upholding fragile regional peace and humanitarian interests.
As international attention heightens, Jerusalem must decide if it will retain its centuries-old equilibrium or plunge back into sectarian strife.