Saudi Arabia has issued a strong condemnation of recent Israeli actions in Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip, labeling them as blatant violations of international law and humanitarian principles. The Kingdom’s Foreign Ministry released a statement on Tuesday denouncing the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque by Israel’s Minister of National Security, accompanied by Israeli police forces, and the subsequent expulsion of worshippers from the site.
The Saudi government called on the international community to take decisive action to prevent further violations against religious sanctities and civilian infrastructure. It also reiterated its unwavering support for the Palestinian people and their right to self-determination, urging the global community to hold Israel accountable for its continued transgressions.
Al-Aqsa Mosque Incident
The Al-Aqsa Mosque, located in Jerusalem’s Old City, is the third holiest site in Islam and holds deep religious significance for Muslims worldwide. The recent incursion by Israeli authorities, led by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, involved entering the mosque compound under heavy police protection and removing Palestinian worshippers.
Eyewitnesses reported that Israeli forces aggressively cleared the area, preventing Muslims from praying in the mosque, an act widely perceived as a violation of religious freedoms and a provocation against Islamic sanctities. Video footage circulating online showed clashes between worshippers and Israeli security forces, with reports of injuries and arrests.
This action has been widely criticized as an escalation of tensions in Jerusalem, a city already at the heart of long-standing disputes between Israelis and Palestinians. Saudi Arabia, along with several Arab and Muslim-majority nations, warned that such provocative measures could further inflame the situation and lead to a broader regional crisis.
The Saudi Foreign Ministry emphasized the Kingdom’s firm rejection of these continuous and flagrant transgressions against the sanctity of Islamic holy sites. The statement called for respecting religious sanctities and warned against actions that provoke millions of Muslims around the world.
Furthermore, Saudi Arabia urged the United Nations and the international community to assume responsibility for stopping ongoing Israeli violations of international law and relevant UN resolutions.
Attack on UN Clinic in Gaza
In addition to the events in Jerusalem, Saudi Arabia condemned the Israeli military’s targeting of a clinic affiliated with the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza.
According to Palestinian health officials, the airstrike resulted in significant casualties, including the deaths of at least 19 Palestinians, half of whom were children. Several medical staff members were also injured, and the clinic sustained severe damage, hampering its ability to provide much-needed medical services.
The Israeli army justified the strike by alleging that the clinic was being used as a command center by Hamas militants. However, humanitarian organizations and UN officials have dismissed these claims, highlighting that the facility was providing medical care to civilians, many of whom were already suffering from injuries caused by previous bombings.
Saudi Arabia described the attack as a “blatant war crime” and a severe breach of humanitarian law. It expressed deep concern over the ongoing targeting of UN agencies, humanitarian organizations, and aid workers operating in the Palestinian territories.
The Kingdom called for urgent international action to protect UN institutions and their personnel, emphasizing the need to halt what it described as the Israeli “war machine” that continues to operate with disregard for humanitarian values and established international norms.
International human rights groups have echoed Saudi Arabia’s condemnation, warning that repeated attacks on medical facilities and humanitarian operations could amount to war crimes under international law. The UN has demanded an independent investigation into the attack, calling for accountability and protection for humanitarian workers.
International Reactions and Humanitarian Concerns
The recent Israeli actions have drawn widespread international criticism. UN experts have condemned the raids on medical facilities in Gaza, describing them as a “blatant assault” on health rights. They highlighted the disturbing pattern of attacks on healthcare infrastructure, which has severely impacted the delivery of medical services to the Palestinian population.
The UN Human Rights Office has also expressed deep concern about the raids, noting that such incidents reflect a pattern of assaults by Israeli forces on critical civilian targets. The office emphasized that medical facilities are protected under international humanitarian law and must not be the object of attacks or used for military purposes.
In response to the crisis, several countries, including Turkey, Egypt, and Qatar, have issued statements condemning Israel’s actions and calling for an immediate cessation of hostilities. Some have also called for an emergency meeting at the United Nations to discuss potential measures to protect Palestinian civilians and religious sites.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza has deteriorated significantly due to the ongoing conflict. The Health Ministry in Gaza reported that at least 60 individuals were killed in a single day as a result of Israeli airstrikes, with many of the casualties being civilians.
The extensive military operations have led to large-scale evacuations, with more than 64% of Gaza now under evacuation orders or within buffer zones, raising fears of permanent displacement among the population. Thousands of families have been forced to flee their homes, seeking shelter in overcrowded schools, mosques, and temporary refugee camps.
Humanitarian agencies warn that food, water, and medical supplies in Gaza are running dangerously low, and the blockade imposed by Israel is exacerbating the crisis by restricting the flow of essential aid. The World Health Organization (WHO) has urged Israel to allow humanitarian assistance into Gaza to prevent further loss of life.
Calls for Accountability and Peace
Saudi Arabia’s condemnation underscores the urgent need for international intervention to address the escalating violence and ensure the protection of civilians and humanitarian institutions. The Kingdom stressed the importance of holding Israeli authorities accountable for their actions, warning that continued violations could erode the credibility of international law and hinder prospects for peace in the region.
The Foreign Ministry’s statement also highlighted the potential threat to regional and international security and stability posed by the failure of the international community to deter these violations. It called for renewed efforts to achieve a just and comprehensive peace that guarantees the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including their right to establish an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Several international diplomats have urged Israel and Palestinian factions to de-escalate tensions and return to negotiations. However, given the rising violence and deep mistrust between both sides, a diplomatic solution remains elusive.
As the situation continues to evolve, the international community faces mounting pressure to take decisive action to prevent further escalation and to support efforts aimed at achieving a lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The protection of religious sites, adherence to international law, and safeguarding of humanitarian institutions remain critical components in the pursuit of peace and stability in the region.
Saudi Arabia reaffirmed its commitment to working with the Arab League, the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and the broader international community to advocate for Palestinian rights and ensure justice for the victims of Israeli aggression. The Kingdom vowed to continue raising the issue on global platforms and pushing for meaningful action to end the suffering of Palestinians.
Conclusion
The situation in Gaza and Jerusalem remains tense, with Saudi Arabia and other nations demanding immediate accountability and an end to the violence. The Kingdom’s strong stance reflects its deep concern over the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Palestine and its commitment to supporting the Palestinian cause on the global stage.
As diplomatic efforts continue, the world watches closely to see whether the international community will take meaningful action to curb the violence and uphold human rights in the region.
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