Far-Right Israeli Cabinet Minister Visits Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem, Raising Tensions 

Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir on September 10, 2023. (AFP via Getty Images)
Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir on September 10, 2023. (AFP via Getty Images)
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Far-Right Israeli Cabinet Minister Visits Al-Aqsa in Jerusalem, Raising Tensions 

Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir on September 10, 2023. (AFP via Getty Images)
Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir on September 10, 2023. (AFP via Getty Images)

Israel's far right national security minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, visited Jerusalem's Al Aqsa Mosque compound on Wednesday, declaring the contested holy site belongs “only to the state of Israel.”

Ben-Gvir said Wednesday's visit was a response to a move by three European countries to unilaterally recognize an independent Palestinian state.

“We will not even allow a statement about a Palestinian state,” he said.

The hilltop compound is revered by Jews and Muslims, and the conflicting claims have led to numerous rounds of violence in the past.

Israel allows Jews to visit the compound, but not to pray there. But the visit is likely to be seen around the world as a provocation.

Norway, Ireland and Spain said Wednesday they are recognizing a Palestinian state in a historic move that drew condemnation from Israel and jubilation from the Palestinians. Israel immediately ordered back its ambassadors from Norway and Ireland.

The formal recognition will be made on May 28. The development is a step toward a long-held Palestinian aspiration that came against the backdrop of international outrage over the civilian death toll and humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip following Israel’s offensive there.



8 Israeli Soldiers Killed in Southern Gaza

Israeli soldiers operate in the Gaza Strip next to military vehicles amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in this handout image released December 7, 2023. Israel Army /Handout via REUTERS
Israeli soldiers operate in the Gaza Strip next to military vehicles amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in this handout image released December 7, 2023. Israel Army /Handout via REUTERS
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8 Israeli Soldiers Killed in Southern Gaza

Israeli soldiers operate in the Gaza Strip next to military vehicles amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in this handout image released December 7, 2023. Israel Army /Handout via REUTERS
Israeli soldiers operate in the Gaza Strip next to military vehicles amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in this handout image released December 7, 2023. Israel Army /Handout via REUTERS

Israel's military said Saturday that eight soldiers were killed in southern Gaza in the deadliest attack on Israeli forces in months.
Only one of the dead troops was identified by the army. No further information was immediately available, according to The AP.
The deaths will likely fuel calls for a cease-fire and heighten Israeli public anger over ultra-Orthodox exemptions from the military.
Israel’s bombardment and ground offensives in Gaza have killed more than 37,000 Palestinians, according to Palestinian health officials, who don't give the breakdown of civilians and fighters. The war has also driven about 80% of the population of 2.3 million from their homes, and Israeli restrictions and ongoing fighting have hindered efforts to bring in humanitarian aid, fueling widespread hunger.
Israel launched its campaign after Hamas and other militants stormed into Israel on Oct. 7.
Over 100 hostages were released during a weeklong cease-fire last year in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. Hamas is believed to be holding around 80 hostages and the remains of another 40.