Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem by the Israeli army, assaulting worshipers and arresting several on Wednesday, the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported. In a statement, the ministry “expressed the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s condemnation and rejection of the blatant storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque’s compound.”

“These practices undermine peace efforts, and (the Kingdom) reaffirms its firm position in supporting all efforts aimed at ending the occupation and reaching a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian cause,” the statement added. The raid occurred during the month of Ramadan, a time of spirituality and prayer in Islam. “Such actions violate international principles and norms regarding respect for religious sanctities,” the statement said.

Israeli police attacked dozens of worshippers in Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque compound before dawn on Wednesday, witnesses said, after storming inside. The incident sparked protests across the occupied West Bank and the Israeli military said nine rockets were fired from Gaza toward Israel after sirens blared in southern towns.

The United Arab Emirates also strongly condemned the storming of the Al-Aqsa mosque by Israeli police on Wednesday.
“The UAE called on Israeli authorities to halt escalation and avoid exacerbating tension and instability in the region,” the foreign ministry said in a statement. Jordan and Egypt, both involved in recent US-backed efforts to de-escalate tensions between Israel and the Palestinians, issued separate statements condemning the incident.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-INP