Saudi Arabia has condemned the incursion into the Al Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and a group of settlers.

In a statement, the Saudi Foreign Ministry denounced the Israeli “systematic practices” as “a flagrant infringement of all international norms and covenants” that provoke the feelings of Muslims worldwide.

The ministry held Israel “fully accountable for the repercussions of such continued violations” while reiterating its call on the international community to shoulder its responsibility to end the Israeli escalation.

It said necessary civilian protection should be provided, and all efforts should be made to end the conflict.

Ben-Gvir and the settlers stormed the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem earlier on Thursday to mark the Jewish holiday of Tisha B’Av.

Tisha B’Av is a day of mourning and repentance for Jews to reflect on the destruction of the First and Second Temples.

Also, Morocco “reiterates its total rejection of all unilateral actions aimed at undermining efforts to bring about peace.” 

The Moroccan Foreign Ministry, in a statement, called for maintaining the historical and legal status established in Jerusalem and the Al-Aqsa Mosque and avoiding all forms of escalation and provocation.

Earlier on Thursday, Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and hundreds of extremist settlers entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, a flashpoint in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, under heavy protection from Israeli forces. 

(Xinhua/NAN)