JERUSALEM — Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on Sunday under heavy police protection, in a move condemned by Palestinian officials.According to Wafa, the incursion took place amid an escalation of violations against Islamic and Christian holy sites in occupied East Jerusalem, alongside continued restrictions on worshippers’ access.Such visits by Ben-Gvir are typically carried out without prior public notice, though Israeli ministers require approval from the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to enter the site.The minister has continued similar actions despite repeated condemnations from Arab, Islamic, and international parties.The Al-Aqsa Mosque is considered Islam’s third-holiest site, while Jews refer to the area as the Temple Mount.The latest incident follows heightened security measures in East Jerusalem, where Israeli forces turned parts of the Old City and the Damascus Gate area into a heavily militarized zone on Saturday during Holy Saturday observances at the Church of the Holy Sepulchre.Authorities had also previously closed the church for 40 days, citing security concerns amid ongoing regional tensions.
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