Saudi Arabia Condemns Israeli Incursions at Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound

Riyadh, The Gulf Observer: Saudi Arabia strongly condemned repeated Israeli incursions at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in annexed East Jerusalem, according to a statement released by the Foreign Ministry on Tuesday.

The condemnation follows an incident earlier in the day when Israeli far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir led hundreds of Israelis into the compound and performed prayers in observance of a Jewish holiday. The act was seen as a violation of the historical and religious status of the site.

In its statement, the Saudi Foreign Ministry emphasized the importance of respecting religious sanctities and reiterated the Kingdom’s warning against the continuation of such actions, which it stated are in violation of international law and the historical status of Jerusalem.

The ministry also cautioned against actions that could provoke millions of Muslims worldwide and renewed its call for the international community to assume its responsibility in stopping ongoing Israeli violations of international law and relevant resolutions concerning Gaza.

Ben Gvir, who has frequently defied the Israeli government’s longstanding ban on Jewish prayer at the mosque compound, has drawn widespread criticism for his actions. The Al-Aqsa mosque compound, known to Muslims as Islam’s third holiest site, is also revered by Jews as the location of the ancient temple destroyed by the Romans in 70 AD.

While Jews and other non-Muslims are permitted to visit the mosque compound in Israeli-annexed East Jerusalem during specified hours, they are not allowed to pray or display religious symbols on the site. Saudi Arabia’s condemnation reflects broader concerns in the Muslim world regarding the protection of religious sites and the preservation of Jerusalem’s historical status.