Saudi Arabia has strongly denounced the recent storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque by Israeli occupation officials and settlers.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs denounced the blatant and repeated incursions into the mosque, located in East Jerusalem. The Kingdom called for the international community to intervene and halt these violations which it described as a severe breach of international law and the historical status of Jerusalem.
A Call to Respect for Religious Sanctities
The Saudi foreign ministry emphasized the importance of respecting religious sanctities and warned of the consequences of continued Israeli actions. The ministry highlighted that these violations provoke the sentiments of millions of Muslims worldwide, particularly given the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Palestine. The Kingdom reiterated its stance, urging global powers to assume their responsibility in stopping these actions.
On Tuesday morning, more than 2,000 Israeli settlers, under heavy protection from Israeli troops, stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex. The Jordan-run Islamic Endowments Department reported that approximately 2,250 settlers toured the site, conducting Talmudic religious rituals and waving Israeli flags. The incursion occurred during the Jewish mourning day of Tisha B’Av, which commemorates the destruction of the ancient temple.
Provocations and Rising Tensions
The Al-Aqsa Mosque is Islam’s third holiest site and holds significant Palestinian national identity. However, it is also revered in Judaism as the location of the ancient temple destroyed in 70 AD. While Jews and other non-Muslims can visit the mosque compound during specified hours, they can not pray or display religious symbols. In recent years, hardline religious nationalists, including far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, have increasingly flouted these restrictions, leading to heightened tensions and sometimes violent reactions from Palestinians.
Ongoing Concerns
The Kingdom’s condemnation comes amid a backdrop of escalating tensions in the region. Last month, Ben-Gvir reportedly prayed inside the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, defying longstanding rules that permit Jewish visits but forbid prayer. The Kingdom’s statement underscores the urgency of respecting the historical and religious status of Jerusalem and the need for immediate international action to prevent further provocations.
