Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has entered the grounds of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem, the Wafa news agency reports.

Ben-Gvir, accompanied by a large number of Israeli police officers, toured the eastern courtyard of Al-Aqsa, which is the third holiest site in Islam.

The minister also entered the mosque on May 21 last year and declared that Israel is “in charge”.

“I’m happy to ascend the Temple Mount, the most important place for the people of Israel,” Ben-Gvir said during his 2023 visit to Al-Aqsa, also known as Temple Mount by Jews.

Under the status quo arrangements, non-Muslims may visit the site in Jerusalem’s Old City, but are not allowed to pray. However, Jewish visitors have been increasingly defying the ban, something Palestinians consider provocation, fearing that Israel intends to take over the site.