Israeli police minister calls for reoccupation of Gaza

In a video, Ben-Gvir commented on recent videos of starving Israeli hostages in the Gaza Strip. This was an attempt by the Islamist Hamas to exert pressure on Israel. In response, however, Israel must "occupy the entire Gaza Strip today, declare sovereignty in the entire Gaza Strip", said Ben-Gvir. At the same time, the Palestinian population must be "encouraged to emigrate voluntarily".

Israel is repeatedly accused of planning an "ethnic cleansing" of the contested coastal strip.

Ben-Gvir's visit to the Temple Mount came on the occasion of the Jewish day of fasting and mourning, Tisha Beav. On this day, Jews commemorate the destruction of the two ancient temples in Jerusalem. The police minister also prayed demonstratively.

The Temple Mount (Al-Haram al-Sharif) with the Dome of the Rock and the Al-Aqsa Mosque is the third holiest site in Islam. For Jews, the Temple Mount with the Wailing Wall is the holiest site because two Jewish temples used to stand on the site.

The Temple Mount in the Old City of Jerusalem is under Muslim administration, while Israel is responsible for security. According to an agreement with the Muslim authorities, Jews are allowed to visit the site but are not allowed to pray there. However, there are repeated violations that go unpunished. This is perceived by Palestinians as a provocation because they see it as a sign of Israeli efforts to gain more control over the holy site.