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DUBAI: Far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir on Monday stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound during controversial “Jerusalem Day” celebrations that mark Israel’s 1967 capture of East Jerusalem.

His visit came as more than 900 extremist Jewish settlers, accompanied by Israeli police, stormed the courtyards of the holy site - known to Jews as the Temple Mount - according to the Jerusalem Islamic Waqf Department

The group included Knesset members and rabbis who performed what the Waqf described as “provocative Talmudic rituals” in various areas of the compound.

In one instance, a settler raised an Israeli flag and danced in the eastern section of Al-Aqsa, an act seen as a violation of the longstanding status quo governing the site, which is sacred to both Muslims and Jews.

The Waqf also reported that settlers attempted to bring Torah scrolls through the Mughrabi Gate, while hundreds more gathered in Al-Buraq Square and at Qattanin Gate, where they held religious dances and rituals.

Extremist Knesset member Moshe Feiglin was reportedly planning to enter the site later in the day after awarding a medal to a retired Israeli soldier who took part in the 1967 occupation of Jerusalem.

In anticipation of unrest, Israeli police imposed tight restrictions across the Old City, erecting iron barriers at Damascus Gate and other entry points, heavily limiting Palestinian access.

The annual “Flag March,” expected to pass through densely populated Palestinian areas such as Damascus Gate and Al-Wad Street, has raised tensions, with settler incursions and harassment of Muslim worshippers reportedly increasing in recent days.

WASHINGTON: The head of a controversial US-backed group preparing to move aid into the Gaza Strip announced his abrupt resignation Sunday, adding fresh uncertainty over the effort’s future.
In a statement by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), executive director Jake Wood explained that he felt compelled to leave after determining the organization could not fulfil its mission in a way that adhered to “humanitarian principles.”
The foundation, which has been based in Geneva since February, has vowed to distribute some 300 million meals in its first 90 days of operation.
But the United Nations and traditional aid agencies have already said they will not cooperate with the group, amid accusations it is working with Israel.
The GHF has emerged as international pressure mounts on Israel over the conditions in Gaza, where it has pursued a military onslaught in response to the October 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas.
A more than two-month total blockade on the territory only began to ease in recent days, as agencies warned of growing starvation risks.
“Two months ago, I was approached about leading GHF’s efforts because of my experience in humanitarian operations” Wood said.
“Like many others around the world, I was horrified and heartbroken at the hunger crisis in Gaza and, as a humanitarian leader, I was compelled to do whatever I could to help alleviate the suffering.”
Wood stressed that he was “proud of the work I oversaw, including developing a pragmatic plan that could feed hungry people, address security concerns about diversion, and complement the work of longstanding NGOs in Gaza.”
But, he said, it had become “clear that it is not possible to implement this plan while also strictly adhering to the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence, which I will not abandon.”
Gaza’s health ministry said Sunday that at least 3,785 people had been killed in the territory since a ceasefire collapsed on March 18, taking the war’s overall toll to 53,939, mostly civilians.
Hamas’s October 2023 attack on Israel that triggered the war resulted in the deaths of 1,218 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures.
Militants also took 251 hostages, 57 of whom remain in Gaza including 34 the Israeli military says are dead.
Wood called on Israel “to significantly expand the provision of aid into Gaza through all mechanisms” while also urging “all stakeholders to continue to explore innovative new methods for the delivery of aid, without delay, diversion, or discrimination.”