
A far-right Israeli minister caused outrage on Sunday after leading a group of worshippers in prayer at the most sensitive holy site in Jerusalem, despite a decade-long agreement that prohibits Jews from worshiping there.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who has previously been convicted of supporting terrorism and inciting anti-Arab racism in Israel, commemorated Tisha B'Av, a day of Jewish mourning, at the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex, known to Jews as the Temple Mount. In Tisha B'Av, Jews mark the destruction of two ancient temples that once stood on that land, writes CNN.
While there, he called for his country to "occupy" Gaza and "encourage" Palestinians to leave the enclave.
The complex is the holiest site in Judaism, where Jews pray face-to-face. It is also the third holiest site in Islam.
Anyone can visit the country, but only Muslims are allowed to pray there, under an agreement known as the 'status quo agreement', which has existed since Israel seized the Old City of Jerusalem from Jordan in 1967.
Ben Gvir has visited the complex several times before, including at previous commemorations of Tisha B'Av, but has not previously led any congregations in prayer there.
The Palestinian Ministry of Religious Affairs immediately condemned Ben Gvir, calling him an "extremist" and saying the measure "openly ignores the feelings of Muslims around the world, not just in Palestine".