Muslim Council of Elders denounces Ben-Gvir's Al-Aqsa plans

The Muslim Council of Elders strongly denounced the statement made by Israeli Minster Ben-Gvir to establish a Jewish synagogue at Al-Aqsa Mosque.

The Council asserted that these statements are a blatant provocation to Muslims around the world and a violation of international laws that mandate the preservation of the legal and historical status of the Al-Aqsa Mosque. 

The Muslim Council of Elders reiterated its call to the international community to take urgent action to halt all forms of aggression against the Palestinian people and all sacred sites.

It warned that such irresponsible statements contribute to escalating tensions, further complicating the current situation, and hindering international efforts aimed at achieving a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and establishing a just and comprehensive peace that would end the suffering of the Palestinian people and recognise their legitimate right to establish an independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.

Far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said he would build a Jewish synagogue at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem. The Israeli government has had a longstanding ban on Jews praying at the holy site, a directive largely ignored by the minster and his supporters.

Since taking office in 2022, the minister has visited the Al-Aqsa site at least six times, prompting widespread condemnation by Arab and Western nations, as well as Orthodox Jews and some Israeli officials.