Palestinian Guards Detained As Firebrand Israeli Leader Ben-Gvir Storms Al-Aqsa With Settlers

Last Updated:August 03, 2025, 19:56 IST

Ben-Gvir, who openly prayed at the compound in defiance of long-standing agreements, was condemned by Palestinian leaders, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia

Israeli Minister of Security and far-right politician Itamar Ben-Gvir, (AFP file photo)

Three Palestinian guards at Al-Aqsa Mosque were arrested by Israeli police on Sunday after far-right Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir entered the holy site with thousands of settlers.

According to the Ministry of Islamic Endowments, the detained guards were Muhammad Teena, Muhammad Badran, and Ahmad Abu Aliya, Al Jazeera reported.

Earlier in the day, Ben-Gvir, Israel’s Security Minister, visited the compound in occupied East Jerusalem on the Jewish day of mourning, Tisha B’Av. He was accompanied by more than 1,000 Israeli settlers, including members of the ultra-nationalist Temple Mount group.

Reports suggest the number of visitors may have reached 3,000. Although the visit occurred during designated hours, Jewish prayer at the site remains prohibited under long-standing agreements known as the status quo.

Despite this, Ben-Gvir openly prayed at the compound, becoming the first government minister to do so publicly. His actions drew swift condemnation from Palestinian leaders, as well as from Jordan and Saudi Arabia.

Under a delicate, decades-old “status quo" arrangement with Muslim authorities, the Al-Aqsa compound is administered by a Jordanian religious foundation. Jews are allowed to visit but not to pray at the site.

Nabil Abu Rudeineh, spokesperson for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, described Ben-Gvir’s visit as dangerous and provocative. Jordan’s Foreign Ministry also condemned the incursion, urging Israel to avoid actions that could escalate tensions.

During his visit, Ben-Gvir called for Israel to annex the Gaza Strip and encourage Palestinians to leave. “This is the only way that we will return the hostages and win the war," he said.

His remarks came shortly after Hamas released distressing videos of hostages held in tunnels, including one showing 24-year-old Evyatar David in poor health. Ben-Gvir condemned the footage and used it to justify his controversial stance.

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said after the visit that Israel’s policy of maintaining the status quo at the compound “has not changed and will not change."

(With inputs from agencies)

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