Al-Aqsa tensions rise after a group of Israeli settlers entered the al-Aqsa Mosque compound. Iran’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei condemned the incursion. Baghaei also criticized Israeli military restrictions on Palestinian worshippers. He said the international community has a legal and ethical duty to act. Baghaei therefore called for prosecuting those responsible for such actions.
The incident occurred in occupied al-Quds. Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir led the settler visit. He filmed himself inside the compound and then declared Jewish settlers now feel ownership. Ben-Gvir said, “Today you feel like you own the place.” He added that Israel must do more to expand settler access. His remarks consequently followed a pattern of regular Jewish holiday visits.
Al-Aqsa tensions rise due to long-standing religious rules. A decades-old arrangement called the Status Quo governs the site. For example, it recognizes al-Aqsa as an Islamic holy place. Muslim authorities through the Jordanian Waqf control access and maintenance. Jewish people may visit but cannot pray there. However, Ben-Gvir has repeatedly said this Status Quo no longer exists.
The Jordanian government formally condemned Ben-Gvir’s visit. Similarly, the al-Quds Governorate also denounced another incursion by Rabbi Eyal Tsinov. He performed Talmudic prayers on steps near the Dome of the Rock. Officials called this a flagrant violation of Muslim feelings. They furthermore warned of a systematic escalation against Islamic holy sites.
Settlers also erected an iron gate between Qataneen market and the Iron Gate. This gate stands near the Old City Youth Association and Hosh al-Zorba neighborhood. Settlers had previously seized part of that area. As a result, the governorate described the gate as an attack on a historical landmark. It fundamentally changed the area’s character and tightened restrictions on Palestinian movement.
Al-Aqsa tensions rise as Baghaei urged Muslim nations to act. He called on the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to take effective measures. He said Israel’s actions aim to alter al-Quds’ Islamic and historical identity. Baghaei stressed that such provocations offend Muslims worldwide. Accordingly, he asked for an immediate collective response.
Experts note that these events raise regional political risks. Any change to the Status Quo could spark broader unrest. Consequently, future confrontations at the compound remain likely. Next steps may include diplomatic protests from Muslim-majority countries. For instance, the OIC could hold an emergency meeting. Meanwhile, Israeli officials have not signaled any policy change. Nevertheless, the international community watches the site closely. Al-Aqsa tensions rise with each new settler visit. Without intervention, this cycle of provocation and condemnation will therefore continue.