Israel's right-wing leader and Minister of National Security Affairs Itamar Ben Givir has created controversy after visiting the Al-Aqsa Mosque on Tuesday and offering prayers there. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's minister did not go alone to the mosque, which is the center of the dispute between Palestine and Israel, but entered the mosque premises with thousands of Israelis. Saudi Arabia is angry with Israel over this and the US has also called it unacceptable.
The Romans invaded and destroyed it in 70 B.C.
Ben Givir entered the mosque compound on Tuesday to observe Tisha B'Ab, or the Jewish Day of Mourning, which is remembered as the Day of Mourning, which was attacked and destroyed by the Romans in 70 B.C.
Saudi Arabia calls minister's entry an attack
Saudi Arabia has condemned the Israeli minister's entry into the Al-Aqsa Mosque, calling it an attack. Saudi has said that the historical status of Jerusalem must be respected. The Saudi Arabian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the Kingdom “openly and strongly condemns the attack on the Al-Aqsa Mosque by the Israeli occupation authorities.”
Inciting millions of Muslims around the world can have serious consequences
The statement stressed on respecting religious sanctity. At the same time, Saudi Arabia has warned that 'continued violation of international law and the historical status of Jerusalem and provoking millions of Muslims around the world can have serious consequences.' The Saudi Foreign Ministry called on the international community to shoulder its responsibility to stop Israel's continued violations.
Importance of Al-Aqsa Mosque
The Al-Aqsa Mosque is one of the third holiest sites in Islam, known to Muslims as Al-Haram Al Sharif. The mosque complex also includes the Dome of the Rock. The Israeli mosque complex is called the Temple Mount and is considered the holiest site for Jews.
Jews and other non-Muslims cannot pray on the mosque premises
Jews and other non-Muslims are allowed to enter the mosque compound, but they cannot pray there or display any religious symbols. But in recent years right-wing nationalist leaders such as Ben Gvir have violated these restrictions. These violations have led to violent reactions from Palestinians.
Jordan also protested
Jordan has the responsibility for the security of the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Jordan has also expressed disappointment over Ben Gvir's entry into the mosque complex. Jordan's Foreign Ministry also condemned the attack on the mosque and called it a gross violation of international law. Ministry spokesman Sufian al-Qudah said that the continued violation of the historical and legal status of Jerusalem requires a clear and firm international position that condemns these violations.
What did America say?
Israel's ally the US has also called the Israeli minister's entry into Al-Aqsa unacceptable. Foreign Ministry spokesman Vedant Patel told reporters, “I want to make it clear that the United States is determined to protect the historical status quo with respect to the holy sites of Jerusalem.”
Any unilateral action that threatens the status quo is unacceptable
Vedant Patel further said that any unilateral action that threatens the status quo is unacceptable. As we are working to finalise the Israel-Hamas ceasefire, this move could also hinder any agreement.