Following Saudi Arabia, Turkey has strongly condemned the visit of Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in East Jerusalem on Wednesday.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Ankara © Mena Today
Following Saudi Arabia, Turkey has strongly condemned the visit of Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in East Jerusalem on Wednesday.
The Turkish Foreign Ministry described the move as a "provocative act" that violates the sanctity of Islamic holy sites and fuels instability.
“We condemn in the strongest terms the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque by a member of the Israeli government,” Ankara said in an official statement.
Ben Gvir, a far-right figure known for his inflammatory actions, is a recurring source of tension in the region due to his visits to the sensitive religious site, revered by Muslims and Jews alike.
Turkey Criticizes Israeli Military Operation in Gaza
In the same statement, Turkey also criticized Israel’s renewed military operations in Gaza, aimed at expanding the Israeli army’s control over the enclave to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas.
The Turkish government warned that such actions will only intensify the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and hinder prospects for peace.
“We urge Israel to cease its military aggression and respect international humanitarian law,” the ministry added.
Turkey continues to advocate for an immediate ceasefire and a return to a two-state solution framework as the only path toward sustainable peace.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared on Saturday that the war in Gaza will not come to a final end until Hamas is disarmed and the Palestinian territory is fully demilitarized , a key requirement of the second phase of the ceasefire agreement currently under discussion.
The Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt will remain closed until further notice, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday, adding its reopening will depend on Hamas handing over bodies of deceased hostages.
As world leaders gathered in Sharm el-Sheikh for a "Peace Summit" aiming to declare an end to the Gaza war, Lebanese President Joseph Aoun made a landmark statement: negotiations with Israel are necessary as part of a broader effort to resolve regional crises.
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