Itamar Ben-Gvir's visit to the Temple Mount, amid global criticism of Israel's military actions in Gaza, risks escalating tensions. The site, known as the Noble Sanctuary to Muslims, is sensitive with a strict status quo preventing Jewish prayer. His visit followed a controversial video release by Hamas showing malnourished Israeli hostages, increasing pressure on the Israeli government for action. Ben-Gvir's call for annexation of Gaza and encouragement for Palestinians to leave complicates peace negotiations and has historically led to violent clashes between Israelis and Palestinians.
Mr Ben-Gvir made the stop after Hamas released videos showing two emaciated Israeli hostages. The videos caused an uproar in Israel and raised pressure on the government to reach a deal to bring home from Gaza the remaining hostages.
During his visit to the hilltop compound, Mr Ben-Gvir called for Israel to annex the Gaza Strip and encourage Palestinians to leave, reviving rhetoric that has complicated negotiations to end the war.
Visits are considered a provocation across the Muslim world and openly praying violates a longstanding status quo at the site.
Mr Ben-Gvir's previous visits to the site have been explosive and prompted threats from Palestinian militant groups. Clashes between Israeli security forces and Palestinian demonstrators in and around the site fuelled an 11-day war with Hamas in 2021.
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