Jerusalem: Far-right Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s visit to Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa compound on Sunday has ignited regional condemnation amid mounting tensions. His presence at the site, where non-Muslim prayer is prohibited, comes at a time when Gaza is facing a dire humanitarian crisis, with reports of widespread famine and ongoing violence.
According to France24.com, Ben-Gvir’s visit to the contentious site, known to Jews as the Temple Mount and to Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary, threatens to derail international efforts to mediate peace amid Israel’s military offensive in Gaza. This visit has drawn sharp criticism from Palestinian leaders, as well as from Jordan, Saudi Arabia, and Turkey, who view it as an incendiary action. In response to the visit, Houthi rebels in Yemen claimed responsibility for launching drones at Israel, although the Israeli military reported intercepting a suspicious aerial target from Yemen.
The incident has exacerbated the already volatile situation in Gaza, where hospitals have reported that 33 Palestinians seeking food aid were killed by Israeli fire. The ongoing blockade has led to a severe shortage of food, with no aid entering Gaza between March 2 and May 19 and limited access since. Desperation among the population is palpable, with witnesses describing deadly encounters at aid distribution sites.
The humanitarian crisis extends beyond food shortages, as Gazan health officials report a rising number of malnutrition-related deaths. Over the past five weeks, 82 adults and 93 children have succumbed to malnutrition-related causes, highlighting the severe impact of the blockade.
In the wake of these events, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has reiterated his stance against negotiating with Hamas, accusing them of exploiting hostage videos to undermine Israeli resolve. Netanyahu’s office has engaged with the Red Cross to address the urgent need for food and medical care for hostages, although the situation remains precarious.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in staggering casualties, with Gaza’s health ministry reporting over 60,800 Palestinian deaths since Israel’s retaliatory offensive began, following the 2023 attack that killed 1,200 people and led to 251 abductions. The UN and independent experts consider the ministry’s figures as the most reliable, despite Israel’s disputes without providing alternative data.
Amid the turmoil, the international community continues to call for a peaceful resolution and increased humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering in Gaza. However, with tensions high and political divides deepening, the path to peace remains fraught with challenges.