RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem by Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir on Wednesday.
The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs in a statement said “the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque by the Israeli national security minister under the protection of occupation police.”
The ministry reiterated its condemnation of the attacks on the sanctity of Al-Aqsa Mosque, the Saudi Press Agency reported.
It also denounced Israeli forces for targeting an UNRWA clinic in Jabaliya camp, northern Gaza, and denounced attacks on UN and relief organizations and their staff, the SPA added.
“The Kingdom condemns these ongoing Israeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law, and affirms its categorical rejection of anything that would undermine the historical and legal status of Jerusalem and its holy sites,” it added.
It stated that Israeli violations of international law obstruct peace efforts and threaten global security.
The ministry stressed the importance of protecting UN and relief organisations, as well as their staff, and called for holding Israeli authorities accountable for all violations.
Ben-Gvir’s visit to the Al-Aqsa complex in Jerusalem’s Old City on Wednesday prompted strong condemnation from Jordan and Palestinian group Hamas.
Rejoining the Israeli government
The minister, leader of the Israeli anti-Arab Otzma Yehudit party, visited the site after rejoining the government last month, following the resumption of the war in Gaza.
Ben Gvir had resigned from the cabinet in January in protest of the ceasefire agreement in Palestinian territory.
Since Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government was formed at the end of 2022, Ben Gvir has made multiple visits to the Al-Aqsa compound, each one sparking international condemnation.
The Jordanian Foreign Ministry also condemned Wednesday’s visit, describing it as a “storming” and “an unacceptable provocation.”
Hamas called it a “provocative and dangerous escalation,” saying the visit was “part of the ongoing genocide against our Palestinian people.”
“We call on our Palestinian people and our youth in the West Bank to escalate their confrontation… in defense of our land and our sanctities, foremost among them the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque,” it said in a statement.
