Saudi Arabia strongly condemned the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem by Israel's far-right National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir. The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticized the move, describing it as a violation of the sanctity of the holy site, and denounced the actions of Israeli forces. The ministry's statement, reported by the Saudi Press Agency, emphasized that such provocations undermine peace efforts and violate international law. 

In addition to condemning the storming of Al-Aqsa, Saudi Arabia also denounced an Israeli strike on an UNRWA clinic in Jabaliya camp, northern Gaza. The Kingdom called out Israel's attacks on UN facilities and humanitarian organizations, stressing the importance of protecting relief workers and holding Israeli authorities accountable for violations. Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its rejection of any actions that threaten the historical and legal status of Jerusalem and its holy sites. 

The storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque drew widespread condemnation beyond Saudi Arabia. Jordan's Foreign Ministry labeled Ben-Gvir's visit an "unacceptable provocation," while Hamas described it as a "provocative and dangerous escalation." The Palestinian militant group urged Palestinians, particularly in the West Bank, to intensify their resistance in defense of their land and sacred sites. The site holds deep religious significance, being the third holiest in Islam and a powerful symbol of Palestinian national identity. 

Ben-Gvir's visit comes after his return to the Israeli government, following his resignation in January in protest of a ceasefire agreement in Gaza. Since Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government was formed in late 2022, Ben-Gvir has made multiple trips to the Al-Aqsa compound, each time sparking international backlash. His latest visit, like previous ones, has heightened tensions in the region and led to renewed fears of escalating violence. 

The Al-Aqsa compound, known to Jews as the Temple Mount, is also the holiest site in Judaism. Under the status quo established by Israel since occupying East Jerusalem in 1967, non-Muslims, including Jews, are allowed to visit the site at specific times but are not permitted to pray there. However, growing numbers of Jewish ultranationalists, including Ben-Gvir, have defied these restrictions in recent years, further inflaming tensions. 

Israeli officials insist they intend to maintain the status quo at Al-Aqsa, but Palestinian fears over the site's future have made it a major flashpoint. Ben-Gvir's spokesperson defended his visit, claiming it followed a 13-day period when non-Muslims were restricted from entering due to the Eid Al-Fitr celebrations. Despite these justifications, his repeated visits have fueled Palestinian concerns about Israeli intentions and increased the risk of further confrontations.

Source: https://www.arabnews.com/node/2595663/saudi-arabia