Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir on Sunday visited the Al-Aqsa compound in Jerusalem and called for the full occupation of the Gaza Strip, referencing the deteriorating condition of Israeli hostages held by Palestinian armed groups.

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Speaking from the Al-Aqsa compound—known to Jews as the Temple Mount—Ben Gvir stated that Israel should “declare sovereignty over all of Gaza, expel Hamas members and encourage voluntary emigration,” in a video posted to his official X account.

“Only in this way will we return the kidnapped and win the war,” he said. “I say this precisely here, on the Temple Mount, where we have proven that sovereignty and governance are possible.”

Ben Gvir’s visit coincided with Tisha B’Av, a Jewish day of fasting that commemorates the destruction of two temples historically believed to have stood at the site. The compound, considered the third holiest site in Islam, is administered under a long-standing status quo that allows Muslims to pray there, while Jewish visitors may enter during limited hours without praying. This arrangement has frequently been challenged by Ben Gvir and others who advocate increased Jewish access and control.

The visit came one day after Hamas’s armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, released a video showing Israeli hostage Evyatar David appearing visibly emaciated. Days earlier, Palestinian Islamic Jihad published footage of another hostage, Rom Braslavski, looking physically weak and expressing hunger.

The release of these videos has drawn renewed attention to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where Israeli-imposed restrictions have led to severe food shortages. According to humanitarian sources, more than 170 Palestinians have died due to hunger-related causes in recent months.

Ben Gvir, along with Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, has long supported full Israeli control over the Al-Aqsa site, citing its historical significance as the location of the First and Second Temples more than 2,000 years ago. However, Israel’s Chief Rabbinate continues to advise Jewish worship at the adjacent Western Wall, rather than on the compound itself.

Ben Gvir’s remarks come amid growing scrutiny over Israel’s policy in Gaza, as the humanitarian situation deteriorates and public concern for the fate of hostages continues to mount.

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