• Islamic authorities in Jerusalem condemned Itamar Ben Gvir’s synagogue proposal at Al-Aqsa as “unprecedented terrorism.” They criticised the Zionist government for supporting extremists.
• Hamas have called for Islamic nations to protect Al-Aqsa masjid.
Islamic authorities in Quds on Monday condemned Zionist Minister of Security Itamar Ben Gvir’s call to build a synagogue inside Al-Aqsa Mosque as “unprecedented terrorism.”
“The policy allows for prayers on the Temple Mount (Al-Aqsa Mosque). There is equal law for Jews and Muslims. I would build a synagogue there,” Ben-Gvir, the leader of the Jewish Power Party, told Israel’s Army Radio.
According to the Palestinian Information Centre, a joint statement from several Islamic bodies in Jerusalem, including the Council of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs and Holy Places, Dar al-Iftaa, and the Department of the Chief Justice, described the call as “an unacceptable escalation and dangerous incitement” in the context of an extremist Jewish agenda aimed at Judaizing Al-Aqsa.
The statement emphasised that this escalation threatens Al-Aqsa, one of Islam’s holiest sites, and urged the international community, particularly Islamic nations, to intervene and halt attacks on Al-Aqsa. It criticised the Zionist government for disregarding Al-Aqsa’s sanctity and for supporting extremists who disregard Muslim sentiments.
It affirmed that Al-Aqsa will remain “a pure mosque for Muslims, and does not accept division or participation, under the exclusive management of the Al-Quds Al-Sharif Waqf.”
Hamas released the following statement regarding Israeli Minister, Itamar Ben Gvir’s recent comments:
"What was revealed by the terrorist minister Ben Gir... represents a dangerous declaration that reflects the true intentions of the occupation regime towards Al-Aqsa and its Arab and Islamic identity, as well as its criminal steps aimed at Judaizing it and tightening control over it. Desecrating, storming, and conducting provocative tours in it on a daily basis-are policies that pour more fuel on the fire and will only be met with more resistance from our people to protect our sanctities."
The status quo, in place since before the 1967 Israeli occupation, designates the Islamic Waqf in Jerusalem. Under the Jordanian minister of Awqaf and Islamic affairs, has been placed responsibility for managing Al-Aqsa Mosque, which is a place of worship for Muslims only.
However, since 2003, Israeli police have unilaterally allowed illegal settlers to enter Al-Aqsa Masjid compound on weekdays, excluding Fridays and Saturdays, without the approval of the Islamic Waqf. Moreover, the IDF has repeatedly stormed the Al-Aqsa compound, arresting and violently assaulting worshippers, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan, a pattern observed over many years. In addition to previously placing age restrictions on those entering the compound.
