What's happened
Since April 9, 2026, Israel has reopened Jerusalem's Old City holy sites after a 40-day closure due to the US-Israeli war on Iran. Far-right Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has repeatedly entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, violating the decades-old status quo by praying and promoting expanded Jewish access. His actions have sparked condemnation from Jordan, the Palestinian Authority, and Hamas, raising fears of escalating regional tensions.
What's behind the headline?
Ben-Gvir's Actions Undermine the Status Quo
Itamar Ben-Gvir's repeated incursions into the Al-Aqsa compound and his public declarations of ownership directly challenge the fragile status quo that has maintained relative peace at one of the world's most sensitive religious sites. His push to expand Jewish prayer rights at the site, including performing Talmudic rituals and prostrations, is a deliberate provocation that risks inflaming Palestinian and wider Muslim sentiment.
Political and Religious Implications
Ben-Gvir's actions serve the agenda of the far-right settler movement aiming to Judaize East Jerusalem and assert Israeli sovereignty over occupied Palestinian territory. This undermines Jordan's custodianship role and the Palestinian Authority's claims, destabilizing the already tense political environment.
Regional and International Fallout
Jordan's formal condemnation and Hamas's denunciation highlight the regional alarm over these developments. The risk of violent escalation is high, especially as Israeli authorities have extended settler access times and allowed rituals previously banned under the status quo.
Impact on Religious Communities
The reopening of holy sites after a 40-day closure has not restored normalcy. Restrictions and security measures continue to limit Muslim worshippers, while Christian communities have faced repeated disruptions during Holy Week. The situation exposes Israel's inconsistent approach to religious freedoms, often prioritizing security and political objectives over equitable access.
Forecast
Without a clear policy reversal, Ben-Gvir's campaign will likely deepen divisions, provoke further unrest, and complicate diplomatic relations with Jordan and the broader Muslim world. The status quo at Al-Aqsa is at risk of permanent alteration, which will increase instability in Jerusalem and the region.
What the papers say
The New Arab and Al Jazeera report extensively on Ben-Gvir's provocative visits to Al-Aqsa, quoting him saying, "Today, I feel like the owner here," and highlighting settler rituals such as the "epic prostration" performed under Israeli military escort. Jordan's Foreign Ministry condemns these acts as "a desecration of its sanctity" and "an unacceptable provocation." The Palestinian Authority echoes these concerns, calling the incursions a "blatant violation" of the site's status quo.
The Times of Israel provides context on the reopening of holy sites after the ceasefire, noting the challenges faced by Christian communities during Holy Week, including the initial barring of Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa from the Church of the Holy Sepulchre and subsequent diplomatic efforts to resolve the issue. It also details Israel's security restrictions and the limited access granted to worshippers.
Reuters and Al Jazeera emphasize the sensitivity of the Temple Mount/Al-Aqsa compound, explaining the decades-old arrangement that restricts Jewish prayer but allows visits, and how Ben-Gvir's actions disrupt this balance. The New Arab outlines the economic and social impact of prolonged closures on East Jerusalem's Old City, describing it as a "ghost town" with shuttered markets and restricted worship.
Together, these sources illustrate a complex picture of escalating tensions driven by political agendas, security concerns, and religious sensitivities, with significant regional and international repercussions.
How we got here
The Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, known to Jews as the Temple Mount, is governed by a status quo arrangement since 1967 that allows Muslim control over worship and access, while permitting Jewish visits without prayer. The US-Israeli war on Iran since February 28, 2026, has led to prolonged closures and restrictions on worship at Jerusalem's holy sites, disrupting religious observances for Muslims, Christians, and Jews.
Go deeper
- Why is Ben-Gvir's visit to Al-Aqsa controversial?
- What is the status quo arrangement governing Al-Aqsa Mosque?
- How have regional actors like Jordan responded to recent events?
Common question
-
Why Are Easter Celebrations Restricted in Jerusalem This Year?
Easter in Jerusalem is traditionally a time of vibrant celebrations and religious gatherings. However, this year, security concerns and ongoing regional conflicts have led to significant restrictions on religious activities. Many worshippers are wondering why access to holy sites is limited and what this means for their faith and community. Below, we explore the reasons behind these restrictions, the security measures in place, and how tensions are affecting worshippers and interfaith relations in Jerusalem.
-
How Is Ongoing Conflict Affecting Religious Holidays Worldwide?
Recent conflicts have significantly impacted religious celebrations around the globe. From restrictions on worship to heightened security measures, many communities are experiencing changes in how they observe their traditions. Curious about how these tensions are shaping religious observances today? Below, we explore common questions about the effects of conflict on religious holidays and what the future might hold.
-
What’s Happening Near the Balkan Gas Pipeline and Why Does It Matter?
Recent discoveries of explosives near the Balkan TurkStream pipeline have raised serious concerns about regional stability and energy security. With accusations flying and geopolitical tensions rising, many are asking what’s really going on, who might be behind it, and what the wider implications are for Europe and beyond. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this tense situation and what it could mean for global stability.
-
Why Are Jerusalem's Holy Sites Reopening Now?
Jerusalem's sacred sites, including Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Temple Mount, have recently reopened after weeks of restrictions due to regional conflict. This move raises questions about the current security situation, religious freedoms, and international reactions. Many are wondering what prompted the reopening and what it means for ongoing tensions in the city. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this development and what it could mean for future religious and political stability in Jerusalem.
-
What’s Next in the Middle East? Key Questions About Escalating Violence
The Middle East is experiencing a period of intense conflict and uncertainty, with recent developments raising many questions about the future. From the reopening of Jerusalem’s holy sites to the escalation of violence in Lebanon, people are eager to understand what’s happening and what might come next. Below, we answer some of the most pressing questions about the current situation and its potential implications.
-
Why Are Jerusalem's Holy Sites Reopening Now?
Jerusalem's holy sites, including Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, have recently reopened after weeks of closure due to regional conflicts. This reopening raises questions about the current security situation, the impact of ongoing tensions, and what it means for worshippers and visitors. Below, we explore the reasons behind the reopening and what it signifies for the future of Jerusalem's religious landscape.
-
Why Is Ben-Gvir's Visit to Al-Aqsa Causing Tensions?
Recent visits by Israeli far-right minister Itamar Ben-Gvir to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound have sparked widespread concern and protests. These actions challenge the long-standing status quo and have heightened fears of regional escalation. Many wonder what exactly is happening, why it matters, and what could happen next. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this tense situation and its broader implications.
More on these topics
-
Jerusalem is a city in the Middle East, located on a plateau in the Judaean Mountains between the Mediterranean and the Dead Sea.
-
Al-Aqsa Mosque, located in the Old City of Jerusalem, is the third holiest site in Islam. The mosque was built on top of the Temple Mount, known as the Al Aqsa Compound or Haram esh-Sharif in Islam.
-
Pierbattista Pizzaballa OFM is an Italian prelate of the Catholic Church who has been the Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem since 6 November 2020. He had been Apostolic Administrator of the Latin Patriarchate since 2016. A Franciscan friar, he served as Custos
-
The Church of the Holy Sepulchre, also known as the Church of the Resurrection, is a fourth-century church in the Christian Quarter of the Old City of Jerusalem. The church is simultaneously the seat of the Armenian Patriarchate of Jerusalem, Greek Ortho
-
Benjamin Netanyahu is an Israeli politician serving as Prime Minister of Israel since 2009, and previously from 1996 to 1999. Netanyahu is also the Chairman of the Likud – National Liberal Movement.
-
Itamar Ben-Gvir is an Israeli lawyer, and a leader in the Israeli far-right Otzma Yehudit party. He is known for defending Jewish radicals on trial in Israel. He has called for the expulsion of Arab citizens of Israel who are not loyal to Israel.
-
Jordan, officially the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, is an Arab country in Western Asia, on the East Bank of the Jordan River. Jordan is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south and the east, Iraq to the north-east, Syria to the north and Israel and Palestine
-
The Israel Defense Forces, commonly known in Israel by the Hebrew acronym Tzahal, are the military forces of the State of Israel. They consist of the ground forces, air force, and navy. It is the sole military wing of the Israeli security forces, and has
-
The Israel Police is the civilian police force of Israel. As with most other police forces in the world, its duties include crime fighting, traffic control, maintaining public safety, and counter-terrorism.
-
Israel, formally known as the State of Israel, is a country in Western Asia, located on the southeastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and the northern shore of the Red Sea.
-
Isaac 'Bougie' Herzog is an Israeli politician. He served as a member of the Knesset between 2003 and 2018 and held several ministerial posts, including Minister of Welfare and Social Services.
-
Michael Dale Huckabee (, born August 24, 1955) is an American politician, diplomat, and Baptist minister serving as the 29th United States ambassador to Israel since 2025. A member of the Republican Party, he served as the 44th governor of Arkansas from.