Saudi Arabia, Arab and Islamic bodies condemn Israeli minister's ‘provocative' storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque
RIYADH — Saudi Arabia and several Arab and Islamic organizations have condemned in the strongest terms the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem on Sunday by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, accompanied by more than 1,200 settlers, calling it a 'provocative' act and a blatant violation of the historical and legal status quo of the holy site.
In a statement, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned that such repeated violations by Israeli officials would inflame tensions in the region.
The Kingdom renewed its call on the international community to take immediate action to halt these practices, which it said undermine peace efforts and contravene international laws and norms.
Jordan's Foreign Ministry also condemned the incident, describing it as a 'serious violation' of the status quo at Al-Aqsa Mosque and a clear breach of international law.
The ministry reaffirmed that the 144-dunum mosque is a place of worship exclusively for Muslims and that Israel has no sovereignty over it.The Palestinian presidency denounced Ben-Gvir's actions as 'provocative' and reflective of the Israeli government's extremist nature, urging the international community — particularly the United States — to hold Israel accountable for repeated violations of international conventions.According to the Islamic Waqf in Jerusalem, 1,251 settlers led by Ben-Gvir entered the mosque compound Sunday morning under heavy police protection, performing Talmudic rituals in what it described as part of a 'systematic assault' on the sanctity of the mosque.The Arab League and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) issued separate statements condemning the storming, calling it a 'serious provocation to Muslim sentiments' and a violation of the Hashemite custodianship over Islamic holy sites in Jerusalem. Both organizations warned that such actions risk triggering wider unrest and undermining all efforts toward calm and stability.Al-Aqsa Mosque, located in East Jerusalem, is recognized under international law as part of the occupied Palestinian territories since 1967 and is subject to Jordanian custodianship under recognized international agreements.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Saudi Gazette
21 minutes ago
- Saudi Gazette
Crown Prince, Kuwaiti prime minister discuss strengthening bilateral ties in NEOM
Saudi Gazette report NEOM — Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman met Monday with Kuwaiti Prime Minister Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah to review the historic relations between the two Gulf neighbors and explore ways to enhance and expand cooperation across various sectors. During their meeting at NEOM Palace, the leaders exchanged views on a range of issues of mutual interest and reaffirmed the depth of Saudi-Kuwaiti ties. The Saudi side included Prince Sultan bin Saad bin Khalid, the Kingdom's ambassador to Kuwait; Prince Turki bin Mohammed bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz, minister of state and Cabinet member; Hendi Al-Suhaimi, assistant minister of finance; and Yazid Al-Humaid, deputy governor and head of Middle East and North Africa investments at the Public Investment Fund. The Kuwaiti delegation comprised Sheikh Meshaal Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, director-general of the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority, and Sheikh Saud bin Salem Abdulaziz Al-Sabah, managing director of the Kuwait Investment Authority.
Leaders
24 minutes ago
- Leaders
Crown Prince Meets Kuwaiti PM to Discuss Historic Ties, Cooperation
Prince Mohammed bin Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Crown Prince and Prime Minister, received today at NEOM Palace Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Prime Minister of the State of Kuwait. During the meeting, they reviewed the historical relations between the two brotherly countries, aspects of bilateral cooperation, and ways to enhance and develop it in various fields. They also exchanged conversations on a number of topics of mutual interest. In attendance from the Saudi side were Prince Sultan bin Saad bin Khalid, Ambassador of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques to the State of Kuwait, and Prince Turki bin Mohammed bin Fahd bin Abdulaziz, Minister of State and Member of the Cabinet. From the Kuwaiti side, the attendees included Sheikh Meshaal Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah, Director General of the Kuwait Direct Investment Promotion Authority, and Sheikh Saud bin Salem Abdulaziz Al-Sabah, Managing Director of the Kuwait Investment Authority. Related Topics: Saudi National Products Expo Strengthens Saudi-Kuwaiti Economic Relations Textiles and Agriculture Key Exports to Saudi Arabia: Pakistan Envoy Saudi Arabia Hosts 'Handling Expo 2025' Event for First TimeTurathna Expo: Saudi Heritage Commission Showcases Handicrafts in Cairo Short link : Post Views: 11 Related Stories
Arab News
2 hours ago
- Arab News
Germany should consider Israel sanctions, senior lawmaker says after trip
BERLIN: A senior lawmaker in German Chancellor Friedrich Merz's coalition on Monday said Berlin should consider sanctions on Israel including a partial suspension of weapons exports or the suspension of a European Union-wide political agreement. The call by Siemtje Moeller, the deputy leader of the Social Democrats (SPD) parliamentary faction, reflects a sharpening of rhetoric from Berlin against Israel which has yet to yield any major policy changes however. Moeller, whose SPD joined a coalition with Merz's conservatives this year, wrote a letter to SPD lawmakers after returning from a trip to Israel with Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul last week. 'My assessment is that the Israeli government will move little without pressure. If such concrete improvements fail to materialize in the near future, there must be consequences,' she said in the letter, seen by Reuters. Recognition of a Palestinian state should not be 'taboo,' she said, adding that Israeli statements that there were no restrictions on aid to Gaza were not convincing. At the same time, Moeller demanded the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages held by Hamas. She said Hamas must no longer play a role in a political future in Gaza. 'It must be disarmed, its reign of terror must end.' Western nations have intensified efforts to exert pressure on Israel, with Britain, Canada and France signalling their readiness to recognize a Palestinian state in Israeli-occupied territory at the United Nations General Assembly this September. Israel has criticized France, Britain and Canada, saying their decision will reward Hamas. Critics argue that Germany's response remains overly cautious, shaped by an enduring sense of historical guilt for the Holocaust and reinforced by pro-Israel sentiment in influential media circles, weakening the West's collective ability to apply meaningful pressure on Israel. The Gaza war began when Hamas killed more than 1,200 people and took 251 hostage in a cross-border attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, according to Israeli figures. Israel's air and ground war in densely populated Gaza has since killed more than 60,000 Palestinians, according to enclave health officials. A growing number of civilians are dying from starvation and malnutrition, Gaza health authorities say, with images of starving children shocking the world and intensifying criticism of Israel over its curbs on aid into the enclave. Israel blames Hamas for the suffering in Gaza but, in response to a rising international outcry, it announced steps last week to let more aid reach the population, including pausing fighting for part of the day in some areas, approving air drops and announcing protected routes for aid convoys.
