Israel Attacks Al Aqsa: Palestine Reminds Large Clashes, Egypt And Saudi Arabia To Condemn Congregant Attacks

Al Aqsa Mosque. (Wikimedia Commons/Nikeman916)

JAKARTA - Palestinian officials called the Israeli police attack on worshipers at Al Aqsa Mosque a crime, warning of the threat of major clashes that could result from the incident.

"We warn the invaders against crossing the red line in holy places, which will cause major clashes," said Nabil Abu Rudeineh, spokeswoman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

From abroad, criticism came from various countries against Israel's actions that stormed worshipers at the Al Aqsa Mosque, disrupting the peace efforts that have been intensively carried out in recent times.

Saudi Arabia condemned the incident, which its Ministry of Foreign Affairs said undermined peace efforts.

In a statement, the ministry "expressed criticism and opposition to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia against the blatant raid on the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex, these practices undermine peace efforts," Arab News told the Saudi Press Agency.

"The Saudi Arabia has also reaffirmed its position in supporting all efforts, aimed at ending the occupation and achieving a fair and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian cause," the statement continued.

The attack that occurred in the month of Ramadan, the ministry continued, was time to increase spirituality and worship in Islam, violating international principles and norms.

"Such actions violate international principles and norms regarding respect for religious defamation," the statement criticized.

Meanwhile, the Jordanian government, which serves as the guard of the Al Aqsa Mosque, also condemned the raid "very hard".

Jordan's Foreign Ministry warned of this "dangerous escalation consequence and asked Israel to take responsibility for the security of the blessed Al Aqsa Mosque."

Separately, Egypt condemned "broad attacks" on worshipers carried out by Israeli police.

"Egypt considers Israel, the occupation force, responsible for this dangerous escalation that could undermine Egypt's ceasefire efforts with its regional and international partners," the Egyptian Foreign Ministry stressed.

As previously reported, Israeli police stormed the Al Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem in the early hours of Wednesday, attacking worshipers and firing stun grenades at Palestinian youths who had thrown fireworks and stones.

Several Palestinians were injured by rubber bullets used by Israeli police, while others were beaten in an attack before dawn, the Palestinian Red Crescent said, adding its medics were prevented from reaching the mosque.