Far-right Israeli minister asserts dominance during visit to holy site.

Israel's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem and declared Israel was "in charge", drawing condemnation from Palestinians after months of escalating tension and violence. The visit came days after groups of Jewish youths scuffled with Palestinians and chanted racist slogans during the annual far-right "flag march" through the Old City. The event, held on "Jerusalem Day", has led to violence in recent years. Palestinians consider defiance of the ban on prayer as a provocation and fear that Israel intends to take over the site.