RIYADH — Saudi Arabia strongly condemned on Thursday the storming of an extremist Israeli minister into Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in the occupied East Jerusalem. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that Saudi Arabia condemned and denounced the continued Israeli violations including the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque compound by the Israeli Minister of National Security, and the incursion of the Israeli occupation forces into southern Syria. Saudi Arabia emphasized that these systematic practices in Al-Aqsa Mosque constitute a blatant violation and provocation of the sentiments of Muslims around the world. The ministry also stated that continuing military operations in Syria is an attempt to sabotage Syria's chances of restoring its security and stability. Israel's extremist National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir led settlers in a storming of Al-Aqsa under heavy protection from the Israeli police, marking the start of the so-called Hebrew "Feast of Lights" (Hanukkah). According to media reports, dozens of settlers, led by the far-right minister, entered Al-Aqsa in groups via the Moroccan Gate, performing provocative Talmudic rituals in its courtyards. Israeli occupation authorities deployed a special unit within the mosque courtyards to secure the incursion and barred Palestinian worshippers from entering during Ben-Gvir's presence. The Israeli police also intensified military measures around Jerusalem's Old City and at Al-Aqsa's gates, obstructing Palestinians from accessing the mosque grounds.
