The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday denounced the “provocative practices” of Israel’s far-right National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, stating that such actions exacerbate tensions in the region.
“Saudi Arabia condemns in the strongest terms the repeated provocative practices by Israeli occupation government officials against Al-Aqsa Mosque. These actions fuel the conflict in the region,” the foreign ministry emphasized.
Ben-Gvir’s Controversial Visit
Ben-Gvir visited the sensitive Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on Sunday, claiming he prayed there, challenging the established rules governing one of the most contentious sites in the Middle East. Under a delicate decades-old ‘status quo’ arrangement with Muslim authorities, a Jordanian religious foundation administers the Al-Aqsa compound. Jews can visit, but they cannot pray there.
The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia reiterated its demand for the international community to intervene. The ministry urged an end to the actions of Israeli occupation officials that violate international laws and undermine peace efforts in the region.
Furthermore, Jordan also condemned Ben-Gvir’s actions at Al-Aqsa, with A foreign ministry statement describing his visit as “a flagrant violation of international law and humanitarian law, an unacceptable provocation, and a condemned escalation.”
“Israel holds no sovereignty over Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram Al-Sharif,” the statement asserted. Ministry spokesperson Ambassador Sufian Qudah reiterated Jordan’s “absolute rejection and firm condemnation” of the extremist minister’s actions. He also criticized the Israeli police for facilitating repeated settler entries into Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Consequences of Provocations
Qudah warned that such actions breach the historical and legal status quo of the mosque. He stated that they represent an attempt to divide the site temporally and spatially, which desecrates its sanctity.
He cautioned against the consequences of these provocations and violations against Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem. Qudah emphasized that these actions aim for “further dangerous escalation and unilateral measures in the occupied West Bank.”
In conclusion, the ongoing tensions surrounding Al-Aqsa Mosque highlight the urgent need for dialogue and respect for established agreements to maintain peace in the region.
