Türkiye condemns Israeli minister’s ‘extremely dangerous’ remarks on Al-Aqsa Mosque
Visitors gather near the Dome of the Rock in the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem, January 3, 2023. (Reuters Photo)
In a strong response to recent remarks by Israel’s National Security Minister, Türkiye has labeled his call to build a synagogue in the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex as an “extremely dangerous” attempt to alter the status and identity of Jerusalem. This statement has provoked widespread outrage across the Islamic world and raised global alarm.
What did Israeli minister say about Al-Aqsa Mosque?
- Right to pray: Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel’s National Security Minister, recently claimed that Jews have the right to pray at Al-Aqsa Mosque and expressed intentions to build a synagogue within the sacred site.
- Building synagogue: His latest claim that Jews have the right to pray at the site, coupled with his intention to build a synagogue there, marks the first time he has openly spoken about altering the complex’s structure.
- Provocative actions: Ben-Gvir has a history of leading provocative actions at Al-Aqsa, frequently sparking outrage among Palestinians and the broader Islamic community.
Türkiye denounces Ben-Gvir’s plans about Al-Aqsa Mosque
- Jerusalem status: Türkiye’s Foreign Ministry labeled Ben-Gvir’s statements as a “new and extremely dangerous” effort by Israel to alter the status and identity of Jerusalem, particularly its sacred sites.
- Muslim community: The statement emphasized that these provocations against Al-Aqsa, a site exclusively sacred to Muslims, offend the global Muslim community and alarmed people “with common sense” worldwide.
- Israeli threat: Türkiye highlighted the increasing threat to regional and global stability posed by Israeli attacks on Palestinians.
- Int’l action: The ministry urged the international community to act swiftly to stop Israel’s aggression and ensure the protection of Palestinian rights.
- Ruling AK party: Omer Celik, spokesperson for Türkiye’s ruling AK Party, strongly condemned recent comments made by Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Celik characterized the remarks as “an attack on all Muslims and humanity itself.”
How did Israeli government respond to Israeli minister?
Ben-Gvir’s statements have not only drawn ire from Türkiye but have also sparked widespread condemnation from other nations and international bodies.
- Palestinian response: Palestinian authorities reiterated that Al-Aqsa is a “red line” that must not be crossed. They warned that any damage to the mosque would be met with severe consequences.
- Israeli Opposition: Several Israeli officials, including Interior Minister Moshe Arbel, have criticized Ben-Gvir’s remarks, warning that they could lead to bloodshed.
- Defense body: Defense Minister Yoav Gallant labeled the actions as “dangerous” and “irresponsible,” cautioning that they could jeopardize Israel’s national security and international standing.
Controversy over Al-Aqsa’s status quo
The status quo at Al-Aqsa Mosque refers to the arrangement that existed before Israel occupied East Jerusalem in 1967, under which the Jerusalem Islamic Waqf, affiliated with the Jordanian Ministry of Endowments, manages the mosque’s affairs.
- However, in 2003, Israeli authorities altered this status by allowing settlers to enter the mosque without the approval of the Islamic Waqf, which has consistently demanded an end to these incursions.
- On Monday, Ben-Gvir also claimed that Jews have the right to pray at the site and expressed his intention to build a synagogue at the site, a move he has hinted at in recent months amid repeated incursions by settlers under police protection.
- Al-Aqsa Mosque is the third holiest site in Islam, while Jews refer to the area as the Temple Mount, believing it to be the location of two ancient Jewish temples.
