Hamas Condemns Ben-Gvir's Al-Aqsa Entry, Calls for Intensified Presence

JERUSALEM — Hamas issued a stern statement on Monday condemning Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's entry into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, while simultaneously calling for an intensified Palestinian presence at the site. The declaration marks a significant escalation in rhetoric surrounding the holy shrine, which holds profound religious significance for both Muslims and Jews.

The militant group's statement, released from Gaza, characterized Ben-Gvir's visit as a deliberate act of desecration and a violation of the status quo governing the compound. Hamas leadership described the event as part of a broader pattern of aggression by the Israeli government aimed at undermining Muslim custodianship over the site. In response to the incident, the group urged Palestinian factions across the West Bank and Gaza Strip to mobilize and maintain a continuous, robust presence within the mosque precincts to prevent future incursions.

Ben-Gvir's visit occurred amidst rising tensions in Jerusalem, where security forces have recently tightened controls around the Old City. The Israeli government has defended such visits as exercises of freedom of worship and national sovereignty, arguing that Jewish citizens have an inherent right to access all parts of the Temple Mount, known to Muslims as Al-Aqsa. However, Palestinian authorities and Islamic groups maintain that non-Muslim entry into the inner sanctum is prohibited under international agreements and religious tradition.

The statement from Hamas also appealed to the international community to intervene immediately. The group called on Arab states, the United Nations, and global human rights organizations to take concrete action to halt what it termed "systematic attempts" to alter the demographic and religious character of the compound. Hamas warned that failure to address these actions could lead to further instability in the region.

Security forces in Jerusalem reported a heavy presence on Monday as they monitored crowds gathering near the mosque's entrances. While no immediate violence was reported during Ben-Gvir's visit, the atmosphere remained volatile, with sporadic clashes occurring between protesters and police in the surrounding neighborhoods. Palestinian officials in the West Bank have echoed Hamas's call for mobilization, organizing rallies to protest the Israeli minister's actions.

The incident has reignited debates over the management of the holy site, which is currently administered by the Jordanian Waqf under Israeli security oversight. Questions remain regarding how Israeli authorities will manage future visits by political figures and whether the current security arrangements can prevent further friction. As diplomatic channels attempt to de-escalate the situation, the physical presence on the ground continues to fluctuate, leaving the long-term stability of the site uncertain.