Saudi Arabia denounces call by Israeli minister to build synagogue inside Al-Aqsa Mosque

By Ahmed Asmar

ANKARA (AA) - Saudi Arabia on Tuesday condemned a statement by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir calling for building a synagogue inside the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex in occupied East Jerusalem.

In a statement, the Saudi Foreign Ministry categorically rejected these extremist and provocative statements.

The ministry also stressed "the need to respect the historical and legal status of Al-Aqsa Mosque,” and renewed its call on the international community to assume its responsibilities and put an end to the Palestinian humanitarian catastrophe.

Ben-Gvir claimed Monday that Jews have the right to pray at Al-Aqsa Mosque, saying he would build a synagogue at the flashpoint site.

It was the first time for the Israeli minister to openly speak about building a synagogue inside the Al-Aqsa Mosque. However, he has repeatedly called in recent months for allowing Jewish prayers at the site.

His call came amid repeated incursions into the complex by illegal Israeli settlers under police protection.

Al-Aqsa Mosque is considered the third holiest site in Islam. Jews refer to the area as the Temple Mount, believing it to be the location of two ancient Jewish temples.

Israel occupied East Jerusalem, where Al-Aqsa is located, during the 1967 Arab-Israeli War. In 1980, Israel annexed the entire city, a move that has never been recognized by the international community.

Israel has faced international condemnation over its brutal offensive on the Gaza Strip that has killed over 40,400 people since an Oct. 7 Hamas attack, despite a UN Security Council resolution demanding an immediate cease-fire.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar