Jeddah: The Organization for Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and Arab nations have issued strong condemnations in response to recent Israeli actions at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem. This follows an incident where far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir led a group of settlers in an incursion to the site during the observance of the Jewish holiday Tisha B'Av.
According to Anadolu Agency, the OIC released a statement criticizing Ben-Gvir's actions, describing them as efforts by Israel to alter the historical and legal status of the Al-Aqsa Mosque. The Jeddah-based organization urged the international community to step in and address what it called serious violations targeting Islamic and Christian sites in East Jerusalem.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry also expressed its concerns, warning that such actions by Israeli officials could exacerbate regional conflicts. Riyadh highlighted that these practices contradict international laws and norms and hinder efforts towards peace. The kingdom has reiterated its call for the international community to intervene and halt the actions of Israeli occupation officials.
Jordan's Foreign Ministry described Ben-Gvir's intrusion as a blatant violation of international law and an unacceptable escalation. Amman emphasized that the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound is a site of worship solely for Muslims and that the Jordanian-managed Jerusalem Waqf and Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs Department holds exclusive responsibility for managing and regulating access to the site.
The Palestinian Foreign Ministry also condemned the act, linking it to a broader policy by the Israeli government to erase Palestinian presence in Jerusalem. It called on the international community, including the UN Security Council, to fulfill their responsibilities in safeguarding the Palestinian people. The ministry warned that unchecked Israeli actions could derail any prospects for peace.
Hamas, a Palestinian resistance group, labeled Ben-Gvir's actions as a 'criminal act' threatening both regional and international peace and security. In a statement, Hamas described the incursion as part of an ongoing assault against Al-Aqsa Mosque and a broader campaign against Palestinian people and holy sites.
Al-Aqsa Mosque is revered as the third-holiest site in Islam. The site, known to Jews as the Temple Mount, is claimed to be the location of two ancient Jewish temples. East Jerusalem, where Al-Aqsa is situated, was occupied by Israel during the 1967 Arab-Israeli War and annexed in 1980, a move not recognized by the international community.