Saudi Arabia strongly condemned on Monday the continued provocative practices by Israeli officials and a group of extremist settlers at Al-Aqsa Mosque, including violations of its sanctity and its religious and historical status carried out under the protection of Israeli forces. In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated the Kingdom's rejection of these violations of international law, which it said provoke the sentiments of Muslims around the world. Addressing Israeli statements on annexation, the ministry said: "The Kingdom condemns Israeli statements regarding the annexation of areas in southern Lebanon and those extending to the 'Yellow Line' in the Gaza Strip.” “It affirms its rejection of any Israeli expansionist attempt and underscores the right of the brotherly Palestinian people to establish their independent state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital,” it added.
