RIYADH: Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned the visit of Israeli national security minister to Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. In a statement, Saudi Foreign Ministry termed it a provocative action by the Israeli official.
This came after Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir entered into the compound of Al-Aqsa Mosque amid tight security on Tuesday morning for his planned pilgrimage to the Jerusalem holy site, two days after he said he would visit the contentious site in the near future.
Also read: Israel’s Minister enters compound of Al-Aqsa Mosque, Palestinians call it declaration of war
Earlier, Palestinian Authority said “any attempt by Israel to change the status quo at al-Aqsa Mosque compound (the Temple Mount) or to “annex” parts of the West Bank will be considered as a declaration of war.”
According to Saudi media, the statement by foreign ministry renewed Saudi Arabia’s firm position to stand alongside Palestinian people and to support all efforts aimed at ending the Israeli occupation of Palestine.
Also read: Turkiye condemns ‘provocative act’ by Israel’s Ben-Gvir
Meanwhile, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation described the visit of Israeli minister to Al-Aqsa Mosque compound a provocation to the feelings of all Muslims and a flagrant violation of relevant international resolutions.
On the other hand, United Arab Emirates and China have asked the UN Security Council to meet over recent developments at Al Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem.
