Jerusalem – On 28 September 2026, Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben‑Gvir participated in a gathering of Israelis that entered the Al‑Aqsa Mosque compound, according to a report by Al Jazeera. The incident involved several hundred participants who moved beyond the designated public areas of the site, prompting a rapid response from security forces.
The Al‑Aqsa compound, which houses the third‑holiest site in Islam, is a frequent flashpoint in Israeli‑Palestinian relations. Israeli authorities have periodically imposed restrictions on access to the site, especially during periods of heightened tension. The presence of a senior minister among the demonstrators marked a notable escalation, as officials typically avoid direct involvement in such actions.
Police units stationed at the compound intervened to disperse the crowd and restore order. Reports indicate that the forces employed non‑lethal measures to prevent further intrusion, and a number of participants were detained for questioning. No fatalities were reported, and the situation was described as being brought under control within a short period.
Palestinian officials condemned the incursion, describing it as a provocation that undermines the status quo governing the holy site. The Jerusalem Islamic Waqf, which administers the compound, called for an immediate investigation and urged the international community to hold those responsible accountable.
Israeli government spokespeople emphasized that the participants were exercising their right to freedom of movement and worship, while also noting that the police acted to maintain public safety. The ministry of national security did not comment on the minister’s personal involvement beyond confirming his presence at the event.
The episode follows a series of recent confrontations at religious sites in Jerusalem, which have drawn criticism from both domestic and foreign observers. Human rights groups have warned that such incidents risk inflaming communal tensions and jeopardizing the fragile security arrangements that have been in place for decades.
International reactions have been limited so far, with diplomatic missions in Jerusalem monitoring the developments. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has called for restraint from all parties and reiterated the need to respect the established arrangements governing access to the Al‑Aqsa compound.
The incident underscores the volatile nature of Jerusalem’s holy sites and highlights the challenges faced by authorities in balancing religious freedoms with security considerations. Further developments are expected as investigations continue and political leaders address the ramifications of the minister’s involvement.
Reporting attribution: based on reporting by Al Jazeera — All News — original source: https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/9/28/ben-gvir-joins-hundreds-of-israelis-to-storm-al-aqsa-mosque-compound?traffic_source=rss.