Malaysia Strongly Condemns Latest Incursion by Israel's National Security Minister Into Al-Aqsa Mosque

PUTRAJAYA (Malaysia), May 25 (Bernama) -- Malaysia strongly condemned the latest incursion into the Al-Aqsa Mosque and its courtyard on May 21 by Israel’s National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, saying the act was a clear provocation and aggression against the political status quo of Jerusalem and Al-Haram Al-Sharif.

The Malaysian Foreign Ministry (Wisma Putra) in a statement said Malaysia has renewed its demand for the international community to hold the Israeli regime responsible for its ongoing acts of aggression and provocation, which would worsen the already precarious situation on the ground.

“The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) must live up to its Charter-mandated responsibility and immediately demand the regime to halt acts of provocation in the interest of peace and stability in the region,” it added.

It said Malaysia continues to stand in solidarity with the people of Palestine, and their lawful rights for an independent and sovereign state, based on pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The media reported that Ben-Gvir, on Sunday (May 21) visited the Al-Aqsa mosque for the second time since he took office and declared that Israel was “in charge” of the disputed holy site in Jerusalem.

The move has since drawn condemnation from Palestinians and also comes amid recent escalations and a rise in tensions between Israel and Palestine.

-- BERNAMA