Saudi Arabia Warns Israel: Hands Off Al-Aqsa
By Arab News
Saudi Arabia’s Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques King Salman has condemned Israel for its blatant attacks on worshippers at Al-Aqsa Mosque.
The king has spoken on phone with US President Barack Obama, Russian President Vladimir Putin, British Prime Minister David Cameron, French President Francois Hollande and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to express his concerns over Israel’s actions.
He called on the UN Security Council to take urgent measures to stop the violations at Al-Aqsa Mosque, protect the Palestine people and holy sites, and ensure Israel grants Palestinians sovereignty, according to the SPA.
He said the attacks violate the sanctity of religions, and contribute to extremism and violence in the world. The Saudi government would hold the Israelis fully responsible for the aggression, the report stated.
Saudi officials warned that Israel’s actions violate the sanctity of the third holiest site in Islam, and are incompatible with the principles of international law.
One official warned that the Zionist regime’s actions would escalate the conflict in the region. He also slammed the Israelis for trying to divide Al-Aqsa.
King Salman had informed Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas that he had been in contact with world leaders regarding the mosque and had asked Foreign Minister Adel Al-Jubeir to take measures to protect Al-Aqsa, according to reports.
The Israeli police entered the compound to disperse protesters this week, in a move that sparked condemnation across the Arab world and concern that the tensions could spiral out of control, according to reports.
