Ben-Gvir from Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound: Calls for "Full Occupation of Gaza Strip"

In a new and highly provocative move, Israel's National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, called for the "full occupation of the Gaza Strip" and the "declaration of Israeli sovereignty over the Strip" while at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on Sunday. His inflammatory statements, made during a contentious visit with extremist settlers, have sparked widespread outrage.

From the Al-Aqsa compound, Ben-Gvir declared: "We must occupy the entire Gaza Strip, declare sovereignty over the whole Strip, and encourage voluntary emigration." He continued, stating that the "horror clips published by Hamas are aimed at pressuring the State of Israel." He added that the only response should be to "occupy the entire Gaza Strip, declare sovereignty over it, eliminate every element of Hamas, and work to encourage voluntary emigration." According to Ben-Gvir, this is the "only way to bring back the captives and win the war."

Storming of Al-Aqsa and Settler Actions

The Jerusalem Islamic Waqf Department reported that 1,251 settlers, led by Ben-Gvir and Likud Knesset member Amit Halevi, stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque on Sunday morning. The Waqf Department noted that the "settlers performed Talmudic rituals, dances, and shouting that echoed throughout the mosque." It also highlighted that Ben-Gvir had led a "provocative march of settlers to the Old City of occupied Jerusalem" late the previous night, marking the so-called anniversary of the "destruction of the temple."

These events and statements further escalate tensions in the region, especially as Ben-Gvir's calls for the occupation and displacement of Gaza's population were made from a site holy to Muslims, adding a dangerous religious and political dimension to the current conflict.