Saudi Arabia condemns Israeli official, settlers’ Al-Aqsa entry

Saudi Arabia on Sunday condemned an Israeli official and a group of settlers entering the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem, describing it as a “blatant violation and provocation to Muslims around the world”.

In a statement, the Saudi Foreign Ministry said the kingdom strongly condemned and denounced the entry of an Israeli official and a group of extremist settlers into the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque under the protection of Israeli forces.

It said the incursion was “a blatant violation and provocation to Muslims around the world”.

Saudi Arabia reiterated its “categorical rejection of provocative practices and illegal and extremist acts of incitement and violence” by Israeli officials against Palestinians and holy sites in the occupied Palestinian territories.

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It also called on the international community to fulfil its responsibility to stop such attacks, which it said violate international law and international humanitarian law.

Earlier on Sunday, the Palestinian Jerusalem Governorate said in a statement that Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir entered Al-Aqsa Mosque under heavy police protection and performed Jewish religious rituals in its eastern area.

In a separate statement, the governorate said 992 settlers entered Al-Aqsa Mosque through the Moroccan Gate during the morning and evening entry periods.

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