Israel’s new far-right government is facing its first diplomatic crisis since the scandal sparked by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s visit to the Al-Aqsa compound.

The United Arab Emirates and China have asked the UN Security Council to hold a public meeting, likely on Thursday, over recent events at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, diplomats said yesterday Tuesday.

The Al-Aqsa Mosque is one of the holiest places in Islam, and while it is equally sacred to Jews, a long-standing agreement as well as common Jewish practice forbids Jewish prayer there.

Ben Gvir’s actions have been compared to those of former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, who made a similar visit to the site in 2000, sparking a second Palestinian intifada uprising.

Among those who condemned the visit, which the Palestinian movement Hamas and the Israeli opposition had warned could provoke a dangerous escalation, was the United States.

“The United States stands firmly in favor of maintaining the status quo regarding holy sites in Jerusalem,” White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said. “Any unilateral action that threatens the status quo is unacceptable.”

State Department spokesman Ned Price said the visit “could exacerbate tensions and provoke violence.”

The United Arab Emirates, which normalized relations with Israel in 2020 under the US-backed Abraham Accords, also issued a condemnation.

“The United Arab Emirates today strongly condemned the invasion of the Al-Aqsa Mosque by an Israeli minister under the protection of Israeli forces,” the statement said, calling on “Israeli authorities to take responsibility for de-escalating and destabilizing the country.” region”.

The Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs also summoned the Israeli ambassador for an explanation.

“Jordan condemns in the strongest terms the invasion of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the violation of its integrity,” the ministry said in a statement.

Religious Significance of Al-Aqsa

Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque annually attracts tens of thousands of pilgrims from all over Palestine and the entire Muslim world. It is also the site of a Jewish temple destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD.

Non-Muslims are allowed to visit the mosque, although prayer is prohibited and access to the sacred dome and prayer hall is restricted.

Ever since the Israeli occupation of East Jerusalem began in 1967, the site has been a point of contention between devout Muslims and those groups who want to restore full Jewish control of the area.

According to Reuters, Middle East Eye