Saudi Arabia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned and denounced Israeli occupation forces for storming Al-Aqsa Mosque and closing its gates, attacking unarmed worshipers inside and outside the mosque.
The Ministry stated that this systematic escalation was an attack on the sanctity of Al-Aqsa Mosque and its place in the conscience of the Islamic nation, and a violation of relevant international covenants and resolutions.
In a statement, the Kingdom urged the international community to continue holding the Israeli occupation forces fully responsible for the repercussions of continuing to commit such crimes and violations against the defenseless Palestinian people, their land, and their holy sites, as well as their chances for reviving the Middle East peace process.
This came after Palestinians and Israeli forces clashed in and around the Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem's old city, marking a significant spike in tensions on what is an important day for all three Abrahamic religions.
On social media, there were several videos showing serious unrest and violence at the entrance to the mosque building before sunrise, with Palestinians throwing stones and firecrackers and Israeli forces firing what appeared to be stun grenades and tear gas. Early clashes occurred at the Lion's Gate entrance to the Old City.
In addition to injuries caused by rubber bullets and stun grenades, more than 150 people were also injured as a result of police beatings by mid-morning, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent.
Jordan, the custodian of Al-Aqsa mosque, condemned what it called a 'flagrant violation' of its sovereignty. It was described as a 'dangerous development' by the Palestinian Authority Presidency.
The General Secretariat of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) strongly denounced Israeli forces for entering Al-Aqsa mosque and closing its doors to worshippers. I view this dangerous escalation as an attack against the feelings of the entire Islamic nation, as well as a flagrant violation of international resolutions and sanctuaries.
The OIC called on the UN Security Council to protect the Palestinian people and sacred sites, and to stop repeating such attacks that fuel extremism, religious conflict and instability in the region.
SOURCE : SAUDI EXPATRIATES
