Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir participated in the incursions, as settlers stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque from the Moroccan Gate, conducting provocative tours and performing Talmudic rituals. These incursions occur amid Jerusalem’s warnings of the dangers posed by settlers’ practices and the exploitation of Jewish holidays and religious occasions to escalate attacks on the mosque and Islamic sanctities.
On Sunday, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir called for the occupation of the Gaza Strip and encouraging its residents to voluntarily emigrate. Ben Gvir tweeted from his official account on ‘X’ from inside Al-Aqsa Mosque during a provocative tour, performing Talmudic rituals within its courtyards. From the heart of Al-Aqsa Mosque, Ben Gvir stated, ‘We must occupy the entire Gaza Strip, declare sovereignty over it, and support voluntary migration.’ He further claimed that this is the way to return Israeli captives and win the war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
In related news, Israeli media reported that the Prime Minister would grant Hamas a final deadline to return detainees in coordination with the United States. This followed claims by US President’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, that ‘Hamas’ showed willingness to disarm. Israel’s Channel 12 reported that the Cabinet would meet on Monday to decide on future steps in Gaza. The channel revealed advanced communications between Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump regarding a proposal giving Hamas a timeline to release all prisoners, aiming for a comprehensive agreement to manage the sector and improve security and humanitarian conditions.
Steve Witkoff informed hostage families that he is working with the Israeli government on a plan that would effectively end the war in Gaza. Witkoff confirmed that ‘Hamas’ is ready to disarm to end the war, although the movement has repeatedly insisted it will not lay down arms. Hamas responded decisively to media reports quoting US envoy Witkoff, stating that the movement expressed readiness to disarm. In a statement, Hamas declared, ‘We reaffirm that resistance and its weapons are a national and legal entitlement as long as the occupation exists, as recognized by international covenants and norms, and cannot be abandoned except by fully restoring our national rights, foremost of which is establishing a fully sovereign independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.’
This comes amid escalating international pressures and political initiatives led by Washington through its envoy Witkoff, with announced support from US President Donald Trump, who promotes a plan to rebuild Gaza in exchange for ending ‘Hamas’s military capability.’ Israel considers the disarmament of ‘Hamas’ a fundamental condition for any agreement, yet the movement has repeatedly stated it is unwilling to disarm. Last month, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described any future independent Palestinian state as a platform for destroying Israel, stating that security control over Palestinian territories must remain in Israel’s hands for this reason.
