The UN denounced Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s recent remarks on building a synagogue inside the Al-Aqsa Mosque site in occupied East Jerusalem, saying they were “highly counterproductive”, Anadolu reports.

“These types of statements are highly counterproductive, to say the least. They risk inflaming a situation which is already bone dry,” UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric told reporters in a news conference.

Highlighting the sensitivity surrounding the status of holy sites in Jerusalem, Dujarric said that, “There is a status quo agreed to the parties for the holy sites in Jerusalem that must be respected by all.”

He urged adherence to this agreement, in actions as well as public statements, to avoid escalating tensions further.

Ben-Gvir claimed that Jews have the right to pray at Al-Aqsa Mosque, saying that he would build a synagogue at the flashpoint site.