** On Tisha B’Av, the Jewish fast day commemorating the destruction of Jerusalem’s ancient Temples, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir led a large group of pilgrims in open prayer at the Temple Mount/Al-Aqsa compound. This unprecedented act by a sitting minister violated the longstanding status quo agreement between Israel and Jordan, which administers the site via the Islamic Waqf.
Ben Gvir, a far-right figure with a history of contentious visits to the holy site revered by both Muslims and Jews, was reportedly accompanied by approximately 3,500 Jewish pilgrims on Sunday. While Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asserted that “Israel’s policy of maintaining the status quo on the Temple Mount has not changed and will not change,” Defense Minister Israel Katz struck a different tone, pledging on social media platform X that Israel would strengthen its hold on the site “forever.” Katz emphasized that the Western Wall and Temple Mount are “once again under the sovereignty of the State of Israel.”
Ben Gvir, joined by Minister Yitzhak Wasserlauf and Likud MK Osher Shekalim (who posted a photo of himself prostrate in devotion), declared online his intent to work towards “full sovereignty and redemption” over the Temple Mount and all the Land of Israel. Hamas named its October 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel “Operation Al-Aqsa Flood” after the site.
The Palestinian Authority (PA) condemned Ben Gvir’s incursion as “crossing every red line,” while Jordan, the custodian of the site, denounced it as an “unacceptable provocation and reprehensible escalation.” Jordan noted Israeli police escorted the minister, a detail visible in social media videos. Saudi Arabia joined the condemnation, warning such actions “fuel conflict in the region.”
Settler Incursion Led by Minister**
Ben Gvir also reportedly led a separate settler incursion onto the compound near Al-Aqsa Mosque early Monday, according to the Palestinian WAFA news agency. The Islamic Waqf stated at least 1,251 settlers occupied courtyards, performing loud prayers, dances, and songs audible across the esplanade. He was accompanied by Likud MK Amit Halevi.
Gaza Famine Deaths Mount**
Palestinian medical sources cited by WAFA reported six people died from starvation and malnutrition in Gaza within the last 24 hours, recorded across different hospitals. UN data (Monitoring & Tracking DashboardUN2720) reveals that between May 19 and August 2, approximately 40,000 tons of humanitarian aid entered Gaza, but only 4,100 tons (10%) reached their intended destination. The remaining 90% was marked as “intercepted,” meaning aid trucks were diverted en route within Gaza, “either peacefully by desperate civilians or forcibly by armed actors.”
Regional Diplomacy and Reactions**
Amidst rising tensions, Jordan is navigating delicate relations with Hamas after senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya urged Jordanians and Egyptians to launch a “popular uprising in support of Gaza.” This followed a landmark Arab League declaration condemning the October 7 attacks for the first time, urging Hamas to disarm, relinquish power in Gaza, and release hostages. Signatories included Qatar, a key Hamas financier, and Turkey, which hosts Hamas leaders.
Separately, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar reiterated Israel’s stance that recognizing a Palestinian state equates to recognizing Hamas. Responding to Italian President Sergio Mattarella’s remarks, Sa’ar stated Israel acts “in full compliance with international law.” While expressing disappointment with Italy and the Vatican over potential unilateral recognition of Palestine, which he believes undermines peace, Sa’ar affirmed the strength of Israeli-Italian relations.
Related Developments**
Israeli strikes reportedly killed a Palestinian Red Crescent worker and injured three others at the organization’s headquarters in Khan Younis, southern Gaza.
Foreign Minister Sa’ar elaborated on his view that a Palestinian state would be a “Hamas state.”
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