Al-Aqsa 'belongs only to Israel', says Ben Gvir during 'incendiary' visit

Israel's national security minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem on the day a number of European countries recognised a Palestinian state, amid the ongoing war on Gaza. 

Images showed Itamar Ben Gvir entering the complex flanked by heavily armed Israeli forces.

In a video taken from the courtyards of the mosque, the far-right minister said the Jerusalem site "belongs only to the state of Israel".

His visit came as Spain, Ireland and Norway announced their recognition of the state of Palestine, which in turn prompted Israel to recall its ambassadors.

Read more: Al-Aqsa 'belongs only to Israel', says Ben Gvir during 'incendiary' visit