UAE Condemns Israeli Minister’s Storming of Al-Aqsa Compound

People walk towards the Dome of the Rock shrine at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem on January 3, 2023. (AFP)
People walk towards the Dome of the Rock shrine at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem on January 3, 2023. (AFP)
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UAE Condemns Israeli Minister’s Storming of Al-Aqsa Compound

People walk towards the Dome of the Rock shrine at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem on January 3, 2023. (AFP)
People walk towards the Dome of the Rock shrine at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem on January 3, 2023. (AFP)

The United Arab Emirates strongly condemned on Tuesday the storming of the Al-Aqsa mosque compound by an Israeli minister under the protection of Israeli forces, said the state news agency WAM.

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC) reiterated its firm position on the need to provide full protection for the Al-Aqsa mosque and halt serious and provocative violations taking place there.

Furthermore, the Ministry underscored the need to respect the custodial role of Jordan over the holy sites and endowments in accordance with international law and the historical situation at hand, and not to compromise the authority of the Jerusalem Endowment Administration and Al-Aqsa Mosque.

The Ministry called on Israeli authorities to assume responsibility for reducing escalation and instability in the region.

Moreover, the Ministry stressed the need to support all regional and international efforts to advance the Middle East Peace process, end illegal practices that threaten the two-state solution, and establish an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.



Saudi Arabia Bids Farewell to Last Pilgrims from Madinah Airport

7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)
7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)
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Saudi Arabia Bids Farewell to Last Pilgrims from Madinah Airport

7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)
7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)

The last group of pilgrims from this year’s Hajj season departed Saudi Arabia on Sunday aboard a Saudia flight from Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah.

The flight carried 320 pilgrims to Kertajati, Indonesia, after they completed their Hajj rituals. Saudia, the Kingdom’s flag carrier, hosted a farewell ceremony, concluding its 74-day Hajj operations.

The first flight for this year’s Hajj season arrived in Madinah on May 9 from India with 283 pilgrims.

They were welcomed by the Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and the Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah.

Saudi Arabia facilitated 7,700 flights through six airports and provided over 27,000 buses to ease pilgrim transportation. The Haramain High-Speed Railway operated more than 5,000 trips during the season.

Over 1.8 million pilgrims participated in the last Hajj season. Health Minister Fahad Al-Jalajel confirmed there were no health issues or outbreaks.

The organization of Hajj was praised by leaders of Arab and Islamic countries.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi commended the excellent organization and services provided to millions of pilgrims.

Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa praised the meticulous organization and services.

Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah appreciated the modern smart services and technologies.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed highlighted the success of Saudi Arabia’s Hajj management.