Saudi Arabia condemns Al-Aqsa mosque storming by far-right Israeli minister

Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem on Wednesday by Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, labeling the act a serious violation of international law and a provocation against Muslim holy sites.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and reported by the Saudi Press Agency (SPA), the Kingdom denounced Ben-Gvir’s entry into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound under the protection of Israeli police forces. The ministry described the move as a “blatant attack on the sanctity of Al-Aqsa Mosque.”

The Saudi government also condemned Israeli military operations targeting a United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) clinic in the Jabaliya refugee camp in northern Gaza. The statement denounced attacks on UN and humanitarian organizations and called for immediate international action to protect relief workers and hold Israel accountable.

“The Kingdom condemns these ongoing Israeli violations of international law and international humanitarian law, and affirms its categorical rejection of anything that would undermine the historical and legal status of Jerusalem and its holy sites,” the statement read.

Riyadh warned that such provocations hinder peace efforts and pose a threat to global security. It urged the international community to step in to prevent further escalation and ensure the protection of civilians and international aid organizations.

Ben-Gvir’s visit has drawn sharp criticism from regional actors, including Jordan and the Palestinian group Hamas, who view the move as a deliberate provocation during heightened tensions in the region.