France Condemns Israeli Minister's Visit to Al-Aqsa Compound
France criticizes Israeli Security Minister's visit to Al-Aqsa mosque compound, calling for respect of Jerusalem's historic status quo. Minister advocates for Jewish prayer rights at the sensitive site.
France has expressed strong disapproval of Itamar Ben-Gvir's recent visit to the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, a site of immense religious significance in Jerusalem. The French foreign ministry issued a statement on August 13, 2023, labeling the Israeli Security Minister's actions as a "provocation" and urging the Israeli government to maintain the long-standing arrangements at Jerusalem's holy sites.
The Al-Aqsa mosque compound, covering 35 acres in Jerusalem's Old City, holds profound importance for multiple faiths. It is the third-holiest site in Islam and the holiest site in Judaism, where it is known as Temple Mount. The compound has been under Muslim administration since the 12th century, with the current status quo agreement allowing non-Muslims to visit but not pray at the site.
Ben-Gvir's visit on August 15, 2023, coupled with his statement advocating for Jewish prayer rights at the compound, has reignited tensions surrounding this sensitive location. The Israeli minister's actions challenge the delicate balance maintained at the site, which has been a flashpoint for Israeli-Palestinian conflicts.
The compound's rich history spans millennia. The First Temple, built by King Solomon, stood on this site from 957 BCE to 586 BCE, followed by the Second Temple from 516 BCE to 70 CE. The Dome of the Rock, an Islamic shrine, was constructed in 691 CE, with the Al-Aqsa mosque built nearby in 705 CE.
France's call for respecting the historic status quo reflects the international community's concern over potential escalations in the region. The site's management by the Jerusalem Islamic Waqf, a religious trust, with Israeli security forces maintaining external control, underscores the complex arrangements in place.
UNESCO's recognition of the Old City of Jerusalem and its walls as a World Heritage Site further emphasizes the area's global cultural significance. As tensions persist, the international community continues to advocate for dialogue and respect for the site's diverse religious importance.
"This new provocation is unacceptable. France calls on the Israeli government to take all necessary measures to ensure respect for the historic status quo of the holy places in Jerusalem."
The ongoing situation at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound/Temple Mount remains a critical issue in Middle Eastern politics and interfaith relations, requiring careful diplomacy and mutual respect to maintain peace and stability in the region.
