The entry of Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem under police protection drew reactions from Jordan, Kuwait, Qatar and Saudi Arabia. The countries' foreign ministries described the visit as a violation of the historical and legal status quo in Jerusalem.
During Ben-Gvir's visit, a group of Jews also entered the compound under the protection of Israeli police.
Jordan calls for the status quo to be preserved
Jordan's Foreign Ministry described the visit as an "explicit violation" of the existing historical and legal status quo at the Al-Aqsa Mosque and as "disrespect" toward the holy site. The ministry categorically rejected visits by Israeli ministers and officials alongside Jewish groups, as well as the facilitation of these actions by Israeli police.
Jordan said the practices constituted clear violations of international law and international humanitarian law. The ministry also warned against attempts to create new realities at the Al-Aqsa Mosque or divide the place of worship by time and space.
The statement argued that Israel has no sovereignty over occupied Jerusalem or over the Muslim and Christian holy sites in the city. It called on the international community to increase pressure on Israel and stop the violations.
Jordan's Foreign Ministry reiterated that the entire 144-dunum Al-Aqsa Mosque compound is a Muslim place of worship. It said that the only legal authority responsible for the compound's administration and entrances is the Jerusalem Islamic Waqf, affiliated with Jordan's Ministry of Awqaf, Islamic Affairs and Holy Places.
Kuwait and Qatar call for international action against violations
Kuwait's Foreign Ministry described Ben-Gvir's visit alongside a group of Jews under police protection as an "explicit violation" of international law and international humanitarian law. The ministry called the action provocative and urged international action to end the violations.
Kuwait also reiterated its support for the rights of the Palestinians and said an independent Palestinian state should be established on the basis of the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Qatar's Foreign Ministry likewise described the visit as an "explicit violation" and an unacceptable provocation aimed at the feelings of millions of Muslims around the world. The ministry said unilateral measures targeting the historical and legal status quo in Jerusalem and at the holy sites were invalid under international law.
Qatar warned that continued provocations could trigger further violence and weaken regional stability.
Saudi Arabia rejects Israeli officials' actions
Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry condemned the visit in the strongest terms and described it as a provocation against Muslims. The ministry rejected the provocative and unlawful actions of Israeli officials.
Riyadh called on the international community to fulfill its responsibility to stop violations of international law and international humanitarian law.
Before these reactions, 992 Israelis were reported to have entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound ahead of Yom Kippur, one of Judaism's important religious days. Palestinian and Jordanian authorities had previously warned against attempts to change the status quo at the compound or divide the place of worship by time and space.
Similar visits have increased in recent years, particularly during Jewish holidays.
Hamas condemns Netanyahu's entry
Hamas condemned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's entry into the Islamic holy site in a separate statement. Hamas said Netanyahu had visited the tunnels and excavation areas beneath the Al-Aqsa Mosque, the Western Wall and the site while making provocative statements.
Hamas asserted that the entry constituted an "explicit attack" on the identity and status of the Al-Aqsa Mosque. The group said the entire Al-Aqsa Mosque, including its courtyards, prayer areas, walls and gates, would remain solely an Islamic mosque.
Hamas also said that excavations, entrances, religious rituals and attempts to impose a Bible-centered narrative concerning the holy site could not change the identity of the Al-Aqsa Mosque or eliminate its features.
