Global Courant 2023-05-23 01:20:13
TORONTO
The United States on Monday expressed its concerns about the far-right Israeli Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s raid on East Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque.
“We are deeply concerned about the visit to the Haram-i-Sharif/Temple Hill. We believe that this sanctuary should not be used for political purposes,” State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said at a press conference.
Miller urged all parties to respect the sanctity of the sanctuaries.
On Sunday, Ben-Gvir forcibly entered the Masjid al-Aqsa complex. As soon as he walked in he claimed that the holy site belonged to Israel.
Many countries, including the USA, Turkey, France, Jordan, Qatar and Egypt, also condemned the provocation and the minister’s provocative rhetoric.
Israel’s opposition leader, Yair Lapid, also criticized Ben-Gvir’s move on Monday, calling him an “irresponsible and fanatical man”.
For Muslims, Masjid al-Aqsa represents the third holiest site in Islam. Jews refer to the area as the Temple Mount, naming it the location of two Jewish temples in ancient times.
settlement projects
The spokesperson also expressed deep concern over the Israeli government’s decision to allow citizens to establish permanent residence in the northern West Bank.
When asked about ongoing settlement projects, Miller said: “We are deeply concerned by the Israeli government’s recent order to allow citizens to establish permanent residence in the northern West Bank, which is illegally built on Palestinian private land under Israeli law.” The price of a Palestinian presence in Jerusalem.
Miller described the Israeli government’s order as “inconsistent”.
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