Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Jordan have strongly condemned a visit to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, describing the move as provocative and a violation of the site’s established status quo.
Qatar called the raid an “unacceptable provocation” against Muslims worldwide and warned that such actions could further fuel instability in the region.
Saudi Arabia also condemned the incursion in the strongest terms, calling on the international community to take action against what it described as unlawful Israeli practices.
Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry described Ben-Gvir’s visit as a “provocative act” and said it violated international humanitarian law. Kuwait also reiterated its support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Jordan’s Foreign Ministry described the incident as a “blatant violation” of the historical and legal status quo at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and condemned what it called a desecration of the site’s sanctity.
Amman warned against attempts to create new realities at the compound or impose a division of the site based on time or space. Jordan reiterated that the 14.4-hectare compound is an exclusively Muslim place of worship and is administered by the Jerusalem Islamic Waqf, which is affiliated with Jordan.
The condemnations came as 992 Israeli settlers entered the Al-Aqsa compound ahead of the Jewish observance of Yom Kippur.
Palestinian officials and Arab governments have repeatedly raised concerns over increased visits by Israeli settlers to the site during major Jewish religious holidays, warning that such incidents could further heighten tensions in Jerusalem and across the region.
