At the Height of Gaza Negotiations, Ben Gvir Storms Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound

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At a critical stage of the negotiations aimed at securing the release of hostages and ending the ongoing Gaza war, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir stormed the courtyards of the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

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This marks the twelfth time Ben Gvir has entered the Al-Aqsa compound since taking office at the end of 2022, and the ninth time since the Israeli war on Gaza began two years ago.

As in his previous visits, the intrusion was sudden, unannounced, and carried out under heavy protection from Israeli police forces.

These repeated incursions by Ben Gvir into Al-Aqsa are widely viewed as an attempt to rally more supporters to his far-right ideology.

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Under the Pretext of “Prayer”

In an apparent effort to mitigate public backlash, Ben Gvir stated that he “prayed for the return of the hostages.”

A statement from his office added that he “prayed for victory in the war, the elimination of Hamas, and the safe return of the hostages.”

Meanwhile, eyewitnesses told the official Palestinian news agency (Wafa) that settlers led by Ben Gvir entered the Al-Aqsa courtyards through the Moroccan Gate, conducted provocative tours, and performed Talmudic rituals.

Israeli forces imposed strict security measures around and at the entrances to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, deploying large reinforcements to secure the settlers’ incursions.

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A Critical Timing

The intrusion comes at a highly sensitive moment, as indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas continue in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, under Arab and international mediation, to implement U.S. President Donald Trump’s plan for the release of hostages and a ceasefire.

It also coincides with the beginning of the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, which will last through next week and during which settler incursions into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound tend to intensify.

Witnesses reported that settlers carried plant offerings through the Old City of occupied East Jerusalem as part of their religious rituals commemorating the Feast of Tabernacles.

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