Qatar condemns Israeli national security minister's call to build synagogue in Al-Aqsa Mosque site

By Ibrahim al-Khazen

ISTANBUL (AA) — Qatar on Monday strongly condemned a call by Israel's national security minister to build a synagogue inside the site of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem, considering the remarks proactive to the feelings of Muslims around the world.

In a statement, the Qatari Foreign Ministry said Itamar Ben-Gvir's call was "an extension of attempts to change the historical and legal status of Al-Aqsa Mosque."

The ministry also warned of the impact of Ben-Gvir's provocative statements "on the ongoing efforts to reach a cease-fire agreement in the Gaza Strip."

For months, Qatar, along with the US and Egypt, has been trying to reach an agreement between Israel and Hamas to ensure a prisoner exchange and cease-fire and allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza. But mediation efforts have been stalled due to Netanyahu’s refusal to meet Hamas' demands to stop the war.

The Qatari statement stressed the need for urgent action by the international community "to deter the (Israeli) occupation and assume its moral and legal responsibilities towards Jerusalem and its sanctities."

Ben-Gvir claimed Monday that Jews have the right to pray at Al-Aqsa Mosque, saying he would build a synagogue at the flashpoint site.

It was the first time for the Israeli minister to openly speak about building a synagogue inside the Al-Aqsa Mosque. However, he has repeatedly called in recent months for allowing Jewish prayers at the site.

His call came amid repeated incursions into the complex by illegal Israeli settlers under police protection.

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.

Israel occupied East Jerusalem, where Al-Aqsa is located, during the 1967 Arab-Israeli War. In 1980, Israel annexed the entire city, a move that has never been recognized by the international community.

Israel has faced international condemnation over its brutal offensive on the Gaza Strip that has killed over 40,400 people since an Oct. 7 Hamas attack, despite a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar