Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Kuwait slam Israeli raid on Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque

Several Arab countries and Islamic bodies on Saturday denounced Israel's security forces' assault on worshippers at Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa and plans to forcibly remove Palestinian families. 

At least 205 Palestinians were injured in a crackdown by Israeli forces across East Jerusalem late on Friday.

Saudi Arabia's Foreign Ministry slammed Israel’s moves as undermining hopes for resume peace talks.

"We reject Israel's plans and measures to evict Palestinian homes in Jerusalem and to impose Israel's sovereignty on them," it said in a statement quoted by Anadolu.

Egypt's Foreign Ministry denounced Israeli forces' into Al-Aqsa Mosque and their attack on worshippers.

"The displacement of Palestinian families in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood is a violation of resolutions of international legitimacy and the international humanitarian law," it said in a statement.

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Kuwait's Foreign Ministry also condemned the raid on Al-Aqsa, calling it an act of clear disrepect towards Muslims and human rights. The Gulf state said it holds Israeli authorities responsible for any consequences of the escalation, reported Anadolu Agency. 

Turkish Vice President Fuat Oktay said Israel is committing "war crimes" and "crimes against humanity" in Palestinian territories.

"The state of Israel is committing a crime against humanity and war in the Palestinian territories. I strongly condemn the attacks on Masjid al-Aqsa, our first Qibla, by Israel, which does not respect any sacred" Oktay said on Twitter.

Meanwhile, Egypt’s Al-Azhar University, which is considered the foremost religious institution for Sunni Muslims, called the assault an act of "brutal Zionist terrorism in the light of shameful international silence".

Additionally, the Islamic Union for Muslim Scholars (IUMS) praised the steadfastness of Palestinians in Jerusalem amid Israel's use of force and displacement efforts.

Ali Qaradaghi, IUMS' Secretary-General, called on Muslim countries to support the Palestinian cause materially and morally, calling such support a religious duty.

Israeli forces stormed the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, the third-holiest site in Islam, thousands of worshippers marked the last Friday of the fasting month of Ramadan. Worshippers were targeted with rubber bullets, tear gas and smoke grenades.

At least 49 Palestinians were reported wounded. The Red Crescent said most sustained bullet injuries to the head and eyes and that it was forced to open a field hospital to treat those injured because emergency rooms were full.

Tensions are running high in East Jerusalem, which Israel has illegally occupied since 1967, as protests continue over Israeli authorities restricting access to the Old City during Ramadan and the eviction threat facing four Palestinian families in Sheikh Jarrah.

Israel annexed the entire city in 1980, in further defiance of international law.

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