Saudi Arabia denounces Israeli actions at Jerusalems al-Aksa mosque
RIYADH – Saudi Arabia denounced on Thursday what it called violations by Israeli forces of Jerusalems al-Aksa mosque, one of Islams holiest sites, which has seen days of clashes between Israeli police and stone-throwing Palestinians.
The state Saudi Press Agency quoted an official source describing the Israeli actions as an “aggression” which would “lead to grave consequences and contribute to feeding extremism and violence.”
Israels actions were also a “flagrant violation” of the sanctity of the site, which is revered by Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary and by Jews as the Temple Mount, the official said.
On Tuesday, Israeli police fired stun grenades and tear gas at rock-throwing Palestinians who barricaded themselves inside al-Aksa mosque.
Saudi King Salman had informed Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas that he had been in contact with world leaders regarding the mosque and that he had asked Saudi Foreign Minister Adel al-Jubeir to take all necessary measures to protect al-Aksa, the Palestinian news agency WAFA said.
Saudi Arabia, birthplace of Islam and an ally of the United States, regards itself as the main defender of Muslims.
Read More: Saudi Arabia denounces Israeli actions at Jerusalems al-Aksa mosque – Arab-Israeli Conflict – Jerusalem Post