The Friends of Al-Aqsa (FOA) expressed its deep concern about the Israeli occupation's Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's provocative incursion into Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, protected by a large number of Israeli occupation forces.

The FOA is a UK-based group that runs campaigns to raise awareness about the BDS movement, work with policymakers on making better decisions for Palestine, and encourage students on campuses to get active for the Palestinian cause.

The "FOA is deeply concerned but not surprised by Israeli security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s provocative visit to Al-Aqsa," the group said in a statement.

The FOA pointed out that "Ben-Gvir is a far-right racist who has made clear his ambition to increase Israeli control of the sacred site."

According to the UK-based group, "48,000 Israeli settlers stormed Al-Aqsa in 2022, more than any year previously. We are now seeing increased calls in Israel for the destruction of Al-Aqsa and its replacement with a Jewish temple."

It stressed that "Al-Aqsa is an important symbol of Palestinian nationhood and culture, and a hugely significant site for Muslims worldwide. It must be protected from Israeli occupation and apartheid."

The FOA deemed Ben-Gvir's provocative incursion as "another attempt by Netanyahu’s new far-right government to further Israel’s oppression of Palestinians and its apartheid regime."

"Ben-Gvir has only been in office for 3 days and already he’s challenging the historic status quo of Al-Aqsa and deliberately provoking Palestinians," the group pointed out.

The FOA concluded its statement by calling on UK Foreign Secretary James Cleverly "to not only condemn Israeli provocation at Al-Aqsa but also impose sanctions on Israel without hesitation."

On Tuesday, January 3, Israeli Police Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, stormed Al-Aqsa Mosque, protected by a large number of Israeli occupation forces (IOF), Al Mayadeen correspondent reported, adding that his attack on Al-Aqsa could trigger the battle early and put the resistance before a major confrontation.

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Following Hamas' warnings, Israeli media stated that Netanyahu had received messages from Egypt and the United Nations and stated that it would be very difficult to influence Hamas not to respond to such a move by Ben-Gvir.

Despite this, according to the Israeli news site Walla!, Netanyahu did not try to stop Ben-Gvir from storming Al-Aqsa hours after they discussed the case.

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