Saudi Arabia and Egypt condemned on Monday the storming of Al Aqsa Mosque under Israeli forces’ protection.

Israeli forces attacked Palestinian worshippers at the Bab As Silsila entrance to the Al Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem on Sunday, Al Jazeera reported.

Riyadh stressed that these practices were a blatant violation of all international norms and conventions, and a provocation to the feelings of Muslims around the world, the Arab News said. Saudi Arabia reiterated its call on the international community to assume its responsibilities to end the Israeli escalation, provide necessary protection for civilians and exert all efforts to end the conflict, the newspaper said.

In a statement, the Egyptian foreign ministry called for halting “such escalatory actions that provoke millions of Muslims around the world and contribute to ignite violence in the occupied Palestinian territories”, a Turkish news agency reported.

The ministry said repeated settler raids and attempts to divide the Al Aqsa Mosque “will not undermine its historical and legal status as a purely Islamic endowment”.

Worshippers removed

Israeli authorities imposed tight security measures, leading to the removal of worshippers from the Al Aqsa mosque premises and an increased Israeli military presence in the compond.

Israeli forces restricted access to the mosque for Palestinians below the age of 50, to facilitate the settlers marking Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. Hundreds of ultranationalist Israelis reportedly entered the Al Aqsa courtyard through the Morocco Gate, receiving protection from Israeli troops during their incursion, the report said.

A number of Muslim worshippers had gathered at the holy site following Fajr prayers to object to the harassment and intrusions by Israeli settlers.

Published in Dawn, September 19th, 2023