Ben Gvir Leads Provocative March at Al-Aqsa and Calls for the Reoccupation of Gaza Amid Unprecedented Escalation

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir stormed the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque this morning, Sunday, leading a provocative march that included 1251 settlers, according to the Islamic Waqf Department in Jerusalem.

The department confirmed that Ben Gvir led the march accompanied by Knesset member from the Likud party, Amit Halevi, where the settlers performed "Talmudic rituals, dances, and chants throughout the mosque." It also noted that Ben Gvir led a similar march at night in the Old City of occupied Jerusalem on the occasion of what is known as the "Destruction of the Temple" anniversary.

The Jerusalem Governor warned that this year marks "the most dangerous days for Al-Aqsa Mosque," as temple groups plan to make August 3 a day for the largest storming, in an attempt to "break the religious and legal red lines," according to the Palestinian news agency (Wafa).

This escalation comes amid an increasingly inciting environment, especially after Ben Gvir recently directed the police to allow settlers to "dance and sing inside Al-Aqsa," paving the way for a change in the status quo. The Israeli minister had publicly stated during a previous storming last May that "prayer and prostration have become possible on the Temple Mount," thus violating the historical and legal status of the mosque.

In a related context, Ben Gvir called during his visit today for "the complete reoccupation of the Gaza Strip and the declaration of Israeli sovereignty over it," in response to footage of Israeli captives published by Hamas on Saturday. He added in a video message: "Palestinian residents should be encouraged to voluntary emigration."

Israel faces international accusations of practicing a policy of "ethnic cleansing" in Gaza, accusations that the Israeli government repeatedly denies.