Israel's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem on Sunday and said he prayed there, upsetting a delicate arrangement concerning one of Islam's holiest sites.

Jerusalem

Israel and Iran have agreed a ceasefire after a twelve day conflict. Meanwhile, Israel strikes in Gaza continue with the humanitarian crisis deepening.

Middle East Conflict

Israel's far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gavir, visited the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem and stated that he prayed there, in defiance of a longstanding arrangement that allows Jewish visits but prohibits prayer. In a video, Ben-Gavir called for full Israeli control over Gaza and encouraged what he termed voluntary emigration of Palestinians.

The visit occurred as international criticism mounts over the situation in Gaza, where health authorities report deaths from starvation and ongoing Israeli military actions. The visit was condemned by Palestinian officials, while Israel's prime minister reaffirmed that the policy regarding the Al-Aqsa compound remains unchanged.

Far-right Israeli minister prays at flashpoint Al-Aqsa Mosque

Israel's far-right national security minister visited the flashpoint al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem on Sunday, and said he prayed there, challenging rules covering one of the most sensitive sites in the Middle East. Jews can visit the al-Aqsa compound, but may not pray there, under a delicate decades-old status quo arrangement with Muslim authorities. In a video handed out by his spokesperson, Itamar Ben-Gavir called for a complete Israeli takeover of Gaza, including an announcement of sovereignty. He also said Israel should encourage what he called the voluntary emigration of Palestinians. Israel is under mounting international pressure over the destruction of much of the Gaza Strip, and calls to let in much more aid for its starving population. In Gaza, six more people died of starvation and malnutrition over 24 hours, its health authorities said, raising the toll of those dying from what international humanitarian agencies say may be an unfolding famine. Israeli gunfire and airstrikes killed at least 40 people across the enclave on Sunday, Palestinian health authorities said, including people trying to make their way to aid distribution points. One strike hit a school in Khan Yunis that was sheltering displaced Palestinians. The Palestine Red Crescent Society said a member of staff was killed when Israel struck their headquarters, also in Khan Yunis. Ben-Gavir has visited al-Aqsa in the past, calling for Jewish prayer to be allowed there. Suggestions that Israel would alter rules at the al-Aqsa compound have sparked outrage in the Muslim world and ignited violence in the past. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement, Israel's policy of maintaining the status quo at the compound has not changed and will not change. A spokesperson for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas condemned Ben-Gavir's visit, which he said crossed all red lines.

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Far-right Israeli minister prays at flashpoint Al-Aqsa Mosque

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