Extreme Israeli minister’s visit to sacred Jerusalem site could jeopardize peace discussions with Gaza

Israel’s national security minister from the far-right faction recently visited Jerusalem’s highly sensitive holy site, which could potentially impact the ongoing ceasefire negotiations in Gaza. Itamar Ben-Gvir, known as an ultranationalist settler leader, made a visit to the contested Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem to offer prayers for the safe return of hostages, but emphasized caution in making any hasty agreements. This move has the potential to disrupt the delicate discussions aimed at achieving a truce in the long-standing Israel-Hamas conflict. Both Jews and Muslims lay claim to the Jerusalem hilltop compound, and visits to the site by figures like Ben-Gvir, though permissible, are often viewed as provocative actions.