NEW DELHI: Israel’s national security minister Itamar Ben Gvir on Wednesday made a visit to the Al Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem. During his visit, he said that the disputed holy site “belongs only to the state of Israel”.
According to Ben-Gvir, his visit was a direct response to the recent decision by three European countries to unilaterally recognise an independent Palestinian state. He firmly stated, “We will not even allow a statement about a Palestinian state.”
The Al Aqsa Mosque compound, situated on a hilltop, holds significant religious importance for both Jews and Muslims. The conflicting claims over the site have been a source of numerous violent incidents in the past.
While Israel permits Jews to visit the compound, they are not allowed to pray there.
This comes following the recognition of Palestine formally as a state by Norway and Irelnad. Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said that, “There cannot be peace in the Middle East if there is no recognition.”
Gahr Store said that the Scandinavian country will recognise a Palestinian state as of May 28.
“The terror has been committed by Hamas and militant groups who are not supporters of a two-state solution and the state of Israel,” the Norwegian government leader said.
Both the Palestinian Authority and its rival group Hamas welcomed the recognition of a Palestinian state by Ireland, Spain, and Norway. The Palestinian Authority governs the West Bank with limited self-rule, while Hamas controls Gaza.
Several European Union countries including Ireland, Spain, Slovenia and Malta have indicated in recent weeks that they plan to make the recognition, arguing a two-state solution is essential for lasting peace in the region.
Norway, not a part of the European Union but mirroring its actions, strongly advocates for a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine.
(With inputs from agencies)
According to Ben-Gvir, his visit was a direct response to the recent decision by three European countries to unilaterally recognise an independent Palestinian state. He firmly stated, “We will not even allow a statement about a Palestinian state.”
The Al Aqsa Mosque compound, situated on a hilltop, holds significant religious importance for both Jews and Muslims. The conflicting claims over the site have been a source of numerous violent incidents in the past.
While Israel permits Jews to visit the compound, they are not allowed to pray there.
This comes following the recognition of Palestine formally as a state by Norway and Irelnad. Norway’s Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre said that, “There cannot be peace in the Middle East if there is no recognition.”
Gahr Store said that the Scandinavian country will recognise a Palestinian state as of May 28.
“The terror has been committed by Hamas and militant groups who are not supporters of a two-state solution and the state of Israel,” the Norwegian government leader said.
Both the Palestinian Authority and its rival group Hamas welcomed the recognition of a Palestinian state by Ireland, Spain, and Norway. The Palestinian Authority governs the West Bank with limited self-rule, while Hamas controls Gaza.
Several European Union countries including Ireland, Spain, Slovenia and Malta have indicated in recent weeks that they plan to make the recognition, arguing a two-state solution is essential for lasting peace in the region.
Norway, not a part of the European Union but mirroring its actions, strongly advocates for a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine.
(With inputs from agencies)