Egypt condemns Ben-Gvir's 'storming' of Al-Aqsa Mosque complex

The Egyptian foreign ministry said it "expresses its utter condemnation and denunciation" of Israeli Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, for his "storming of the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque [on Wednesday], under the protection of the Israeli police".

For decades, a delicate status quo has governed worship and visits to the site, permitting only Muslims to pray in its courtyards and prayer halls.

However, Israel has long ignored this delicate arrangement between Jordan, the custodian of Islamic and Christian sites in Jerusalem, and Israel, and bypassed the Waqf.

"This act of provocation and unacceptable incitement of Muslims around the world on the third day of Eid al-Fitr is an unacceptable provocation and incitement of the feelings of Muslims around the world," the Egyptian foreign ministry said in a statement posted to X.

"These extremist Israeli measures constitute a flagrant violation of international law and a major source of instability in the region. Egypt warns against the continuation of this highly provocative and reckless approach, emphasising the need to preserve the legal and historical status of the religious holy sites in Jerusalem."