Saudi Arabia condemns attack on Al-Aqsa Mosque by Israeli forces

Riyadh: Saudi Arabia criticized the Israeli settlers' invasion of the Al-Aqsa Mosque courtyard on Sunday, calling it a "serious violation of international law."

The Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs urged the international community to stop the escalation and give Palestinian civilians the appropriate protection in a statement.

In light of the recent escalation in violence in Gaza, which resulted in the deaths of over 40 Palestinians and scores of injuries, the Kingdom claimed that the attack violated the sanctity of the holy sites in Jerusalem. This contributes to escalating tensions and prolonged violence.

Jordan, who is in charge of the property, pleaded with Israel to uphold the compound's sanctity and "stop measures aimed at altering the historical and legal status quo."

Haitham Abu Alfoul, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, emphasised in a statement that the Waqf (endowments) and al-Aqsa Affairs Administration in Jerusalem, which is controlled by Jordan, have sole authority over the administration of the holy site.

Israel's activities, according to Abu Alfoul, "violate the historical and legal status quo and international law," and they are disrespectful to the administration's authority.

The Israeli government's continued onslaught against Christian and Islamic holy places, according to the Palestinian Foreign Ministry, is entirely and directly the responsibility of Israel.

According to the Palestinian Foreign Ministry, Israel's continued aggression on Christian and Islamic holy places, most notably Al-Aqsa, as well as the threat to and consequences for the entire region are entirely and directly the responsibility of the Israeli government.

"Barbarism, no matter how much, will not change the reality of the Islamic mosque", read a statement made by the Islamic Awqaf, which is in charge of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and is associated with Jordan.

The supervision of King Abdullah II over the Al-Aqsa Mosque and all other Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, according to the Islamic organisations and authorities, is something they emphasise.

The foreign ministry of Qatar urged the international community to stop Israel's efforts to turn the existing crisis into a "religious war," saying that the "provocative practices" are a part of the attempts to change the historical and legal status of the Al-Aqsa Mosque, the Arab News reported.

According to the ministry, the latest attacks on Gaza and the provocative violations will result in "a dangerous escalation of violence."

Kuwait denounced the Israeli efforts as an effort to alter Al-Quds' historical and legal standing as well as the sanctities therein.

The attacks will raise tension and bloodshed, the Kuwaiti Ministry of Foreign Affairs warned in a statement, endangering regional stability.

Kuwait also urged the international community to take action to stop these attacks, curtail future ones, and defend the Palestinian people and their sacred sites.

The mosque invasion was condemned by the Muslim World League, calling it a grave breach of international agreements and regulations.

The "dangerous escalation" that threatens the sanctity of Islamic monuments was decried by the League and its international councils, bodies, and councils.

In light of the escalating violence in the troubled region, the head of the African Union Commission also denounced Israeli "airstrike strikes" in the Gaza Strip.

"Moussa Faki Mahamat strongly condemns the continued airstrike attacks by Israel on Gaza," an AU statement said.

The "targeting of civilians and the continued illegal occupation by Israeli security forces of the Occupied Territories, is in stark violation of international law, and complicates the search for a just and lasting solution," the statement said.