Palestinians Denounce Butcher Netanyahu’s Controversial Visit to Holy Al-Aqsa Compound
Zionist Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has made a contentious visit to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem, marking the Jewish Hanukkah holiday. This action has elicited significant criticism from Palestinian authorities, who view it as a provocative gesture.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Al-Quds Governorate condemned the Israeli prime minister’s visit to the al-Buraq Wall—commonly referred to as the Western or Wailing Wall—labeling it as a “new provocation” at one of Islam’s most sacred sites.
The wall has been described as a crucial component of the compound, with warnings issued that any actions against it could further escalate tensions at this already sensitive location.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has published images depicting him at the compound in the company of various dignitaries, among them U.S. Ambassador Mike Huckabee.
The Hanukkah holiday is set to be observed over an eight-day period from December 14 to 22.
Palestinian officials report that over 210 Israeli settlers have entered the al-Aqsa Mosque compound under substantial police protection, marking a religious holiday since Monday.
Palestinian and Muslim leaders have consistently dismissed escalating intrusions and efforts to modify the long-standing historical and legal status of the site.
Al-Aqsa Mosque, recognized as the third-holiest site in Islam, has long served as a central point of contention in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Under an agreement reached between Israel and Jordan following the 1967 occupation of al-Quds, non-Muslim worship at the sacred site is officially prohibited. Nonetheless, in practice, this prohibition has seen challenges, often resulting in situations unfavorable to Muslim worshippers.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued a warrant for Netanyahu, accusing him of committing war crimes in the Gaza Strip.
East Jerusalem, the site of the al-Aqsa Mosque, was seized by Israel during the 1967 Arab-Israeli War and was later annexed in 1980, a decision not acknowledged by the international community.
Under international law, East al-Quds is recognized as occupied territory, and any Israeli settlement activity and official actions in the region are regarded as unlawful.
