VOI - Voice of Indonesia | RRI - Radio Republik Indonesia

Last Tuesday (3/1), Israel's newly appointed Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben-Gvir, visited the Al Aqsa Mosque complex. Despite being warned that his actions would cause an uproar and reap waves of condemnation from various countries around the world, he still visited the third holiest site in the world for Muslims.

Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement last Thursday called on Israel to respect the status quo that had been mutually agreed upon and to avoid actions and provocations that harm holy places in Jerusalem. The Indonesian government views the Israeli minister's visit as a provocation that could trigger tension and a new cycle of violence in Palestine.

Malaysia also strongly condemns the provocation by Itamar Ben-Gvir. Malaysia's foreign ministry on Thursday called the move a provocation and a clear violation of the political status quo of Jerusalem and Al-Haram Al-Sharif. The Malaysian government calls on the international community to hold Israel accountable for such actions and demands that it immediately stop any provocations for the sake of peace and stability.

Pakistan is one of the countries that strongly criticized Itamar's visit. This action is considered insensitive, and provocative. Pakistan's foreign ministry spokeswoman, Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, said Thursday that Israel must stop its illegal acts and respect the sanctity of Muslim religious sites in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Meanwhile Qatar on Wednesday called on the international community to take "firm" action against Israeli provocations at the Al Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem. In a statement, Qatar's Cabinet reiterated its call to the international community "for decisive and urgent action". It is to compel Israel to stop the violations and provocations and to realize the relevant resolutions of the UN Security Council and UN General Assembly.

Even the United States, Israel's closest ally, also expressed deep concern over this latest development. US State Department spokesman Ned Price said Washington was deeply concerned by any unilateral action that could potentially exacerbate tensions.

Itamar Ben-Gvir is a figure who adheres to right-wing views regarding Palestine. The politician also caused a wave of tension in the occupied city after he set up an office in the Sheikh Jarrah Neighborhood.

It is hoped that the provocative actions of Israeli officials that led to an increase in tensions will not occur again. Thus, the two countries, Palestine and Israel, can continue the peace process based on the principles of a Two State Solution and mutual respect, according to internationally agreed parameters.