GCC secretary-general condemns Israeli settlers’ storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque

The GCC secretary-general called on the international community to immediately intervene to stop the violations and intensify efforts to push the peace process forward. (FILE/AFP)
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Updated 29 March 2023
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GCC secretary-general condemns Israeli settlers’ storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque

RIYADH: Secretary-General of the Gulf Cooperation Council Jassem Mohamed Albudaiwi has condemned in the strongest terms Israeli settlers’ storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque, under the protection of the Israel Defense Forces.

Albudaiwi underlined that the Israeli aggression during Ramadan constitutes a dangerous escalation, flagrant violation of international law and relevant resolutions, and the historical and legal status quo in Jerusalem and its holy sites, as well as a provocation to Muslims worldwide.

The GCC secretary-general called on the international community to immediately intervene to stop the violations and intensify efforts to push the peace process forward, stressing the GCC’s unaltered position, which places the Palestinian cause on top of its priorities and calls for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the June 4, 1967 border lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Saudi Arabia also condemned the storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque by Israeli settlers.

The Kingdom’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement, saying: “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expresses Saudi Arabia’s condemnation and rejection of the blatant storming carried out by Israeli settlers into the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque, amid the protection of the Israeli occupation forces, stressing that these practices undermine peace efforts and violate international principles and norms regarding respect for religious sanctities.

“The ministry reiterates the Kingdom’s firm stance in supporting all efforts aimed at ending the occupation and reaching a just and comprehensive solution to the Palestinian cause, that enables the Palestinian people to establish their independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Al-Quds (East Jerusalem) as its capital,” it added.


Iran missile barrage sparks explosions over Tel Aviv

Updated 06 March 2026
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Iran missile barrage sparks explosions over Tel Aviv

  • Two near-simultaneous waves of explosions reverberating across the city
  • Israel’s emergency services confirms plenty of damage but said there were no casualties

TEL AVIV: The latest Iranian missile barrage sparked a wave of explosions across Tel Aviv as firefighters worked to contain a blaze at a residential building near Israel’s commercial hub on Friday.
The blasts came after Israel expanded its campaign against Hezbollah, vowing retribution against the Tehran-backed militant group for joining the conflict following the killing on Saturday of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Iran’s state broadcaster said Tehran had fired missiles “against targets in the heart of Tel Aviv,” after Israel’s military said it was working to intercept incoming Iranian fire late Thursday.
AFP journalists in Tel Aviv heard two near-simultaneous waves of explosions reverberating across the city.
Rocket trails also lit up the sky in Netanya, a city north of Tel Aviv on Israel’s Mediterranean coast.
After the barrage, Israel’s emergency services, the Magen David Adom (MDA), said its teams had visited several reported impact sites but that there were no casualties.
Israeli police said it was “currently handling scenes involving fallen projectiles in central Israel,” adding that there was “damage” but no injuries.
A projectile hit a building on the outskirts of Tel Aviv, forcing residents to evacuate.
At another residential site near Israel’s economic hub, firefighters worked to put out a blaze caused by falling debris after an Iranian rocket fire was intercepted.
Israel’s Home Front Command issues several rocket fire warnings early Friday for communities near the Lebanon border.