Netanyahu Visits Al-Aqsa Compound, Offers Prayers

Israeli Prime Minister Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu visited the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, the third holiest site in Islam. Although he did not enter the mosque itself, Mr. Netanyahu offered prayers at the Western Wall alongside thousands of Israeli Jews. Turkish news agency Anadolu reported on Sunday that several ministers from his cabinet also visited the compound. The Palestinian liberation group Hamas condemned the incident, stating that the Al-Aqsa Mosque belongs strictly to Muslims and that Israelis cannot force their claims upon it.

The Western Wall, located within the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, is revered as a sacred site by Jews. Many gathered there to observe Yom Kippur, the Jewish religious holiday, which was also the occasion for Mr. Netanyahu’s visit. However, according to Palestinian authorities, the Western Wall is an integral part of the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex, recognized historically as the place where the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) tethered his heavenly mount, Buraq. During his prayers at the wall, Mr. Netanyahu offered blessings for the Israeli military currently involved in the genocide in Gaza, while also extending Jewish New Year greetings to Israelis.

According to Jewish historical accounts, Herod the Great constructed the Second Temple in 19 BCE, which was later destroyed by the Romans in 70 CE. The Western Wall remains the only surviving structure of that temple, where Jewish worshipers gather to mourn its destruction. Today, this site forms part of the broader Al-Aqsa compound.

Source: Anadolu.