France Condemns Israeli Minister's Visit to Jerusalem Holy Site

Paris warns of heightened tensions after Itamar Ben Gvir's visit to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, citing violations of the historical status quo.

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir visited the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on December 26, 2024, sparking international criticism.
France issued a statement condemning the visit, calling it a violation of the historical status quo of Jerusalem's holy sites.
The French Foreign Ministry warned that such actions risk escalating tensions in the region, urging respect for the site's established agreements.
The visit was labeled a 'provocation' by both the Palestinian Authority and Jordan, which administers the site under a longstanding arrangement.
The Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, sacred to both Muslims and Jews, remains a focal point of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with access and control frequently contested.