UK strongly condemns Israeli minister’s 'provocative' raid on Al-Aqsa Mosque complex
'The focus of all parties must be on securing an immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages,' says foreign secretary
Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir (2nd L) forces his way into the flashpoint Al-Aqsa Mosque complex under police protection in East Jerusalem on July 18, 2024.
LONDON
The British foreign secretary on Wednesday "strongly condemned" Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s raid on the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex in occupied East Jerusalem.
"The UK strongly condemns Minister Ben-Gvir’s deliberately provocative visit to Jerusalem's Holy Sites," David Lammy wrote on X.
The foreign secretary said such actions undermine Jordan's role over the sites and the longstanding status quo arrangements.
"The focus of all parties must be on securing an immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages, and restoring regional stability," he added.
On Tuesday, the far-right official, alongside more than 2,000 radical Israelis, stormed the complex, praying, waving flags, and singing the Israeli national anthem, despite Jewish religious rites being banned at the holy sites.
In a video, Ben-Gvir also said: "Our policy is to enable Jewish prayer." He also promised to “defeat Hamas” in Gaza.
Al-Aqsa Mosque is considered the third-holiest site in Islam. Jews refer to the area as the Temple Mount, believing it to be the location of two ancient Jewish temples.
