Hawzah News Agency- A far-right Israeli minister visited and prayed at Jerusalem’s most sensitive holy site on Sunday, triggering regional condemnation and fears that the provocative move could further escalate tensions. The visit came as hospitals in Gaza said 33 more Palestinians seeking food aid were killed by Israeli fire.
With Israel facing global criticism over famine-like conditions in the besieged strip, Itamar Ben-Gvir 's visit to the hillside compound threatened to further set back efforts by international mediators to halt Israel’s nearly two-year military offensive in Gaza.
Muslims call the site the Noble Sanctuary. Today it is home to the Al-Aqsa Mosque, the third-holiest site in Islam.
Visits to the site by Israeli officials are considered a provocation across the Muslim world and openly praying violates a longstanding status quo. Jews have been allowed to tour it but are barred from praying.
Ben-Gvir visited the site after Hamas released videos showing two Israeli hostages appearing weak and emaciated. The footage caused an uproar in Israel and increased pressure on the Israeli government to reach a deal for the return of the remaining 50 hostages.
“They do not want a deal'', Netanyahu said of Hamas. “They want to break us using these videos of horror''.
His office said it spoke with the Red Cross to seek help in providing the hostages with food and medical care. The International Committee of the Red Cross said it was “appalled by the harrowing videos” and called for access to the hostages.
Hamas' military wing said it was ready to respond positively to Red Cross requests to deliver food to hostages, if humanitarian corridors are opened in a “regular and permanent manner” in Gaza.
Source: FRANCE 24
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