FILE - Israel s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. AP
Local sources said that Ben-Gvir stormed Al-Aqsa Mosque from al-Maghrabi Gate, and wandered around the eastern square, accompanied by a large number of occupation police officers.
The sources indicated that the Israeli occupation prevented worshipers from entering Al-Aqsa, coinciding with Ben-Gvir's raid.
Ben-Gvir, an ultranationalist settler leader, said he had gone up to the Jerusalem hilltop compound of Al Aqsa Mosque to pray for the return of the Israeli captives held in Gaza ″but without a reckless deal.”
He said he was pressuring Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not to give in to international pressure and to continue with the war on Gaz
Truce Talks
The move threatens to disrupt sensitive talks aimed at reaching a cease-fire in the 9-month-old war in Gaza.
Ben-Gvir’s visit also came just days before Netanyahu leaves for a trip to the United States, where he will address Congress.
An Israeli delegation arrived in Egypt on Wednesday to continue cease-fire talks as Israel and Hamas consider the latest proposal, three Egyptian airport officials said.
International mediators continue to push Israel and Hamas toward a phased deal that would halt the fighting and free about 120 Israelis held by Hamas in Gaza in exchange for several Palestinian detainees out of thousands held in Israeli prisons.
The Israeli delegation includes six officials, the airport officials said without disclosing identities.
Talks between the sides were rattled over the weekend when Israel launched a massive strike killing at least 90 Palestinians.
Hamas has said the talks continue.
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