Saudi condemns repeated ‘provocative practices’ by Israeli officials against Al-Aqsa

Saudi Arabia said on Sunday that it strongly condemned continued “provocative practices” by Israeli officials against Al-Aqsa Mosque.

“Saudi Arabia’s condemns with the strongest terms the repeated provocative practices by officials of the Israeli occupation government against the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque, affirming that such practices fuel conflict in the region,” the Saudi foreign ministry said in a statement on X.

“The Kingdom stresses its continued demand for the international community to stop these practices by Israeli occupation officials that violate international laws and norms and, and which undermine peace efforts in the region.”

The Saudi foreign ministry’s statement came after Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir visited Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem on Sunday and said he prayed there, challenging rules covering one of the most sensitive sites in the Middle East.

Ben-Gvir said in a statement he prayed for Israel’s victory over Palestinian militant group Hamas in the war in Gaza and for the return of Israeli hostages being held by militants there. He repeated his call for Israel to conquer the entire enclave.

Under a delicate decades-old “status quo” arrangement with Muslim authorities, the Al-Aqsa compound is administered by a Jordanian religious foundation and Jews can visit but may not pray there.