MWL Condemns Storming of Al-Aqsa Mosque Courtyards by Israeli Officials and Settlers
The Muslim World League (MWL) condemned on Tuesday the storming of the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque by Israeli officials and settlers under the protection of Israeli forces.
In a statement, MWL Secretary-General and Chairman of the Organization of Muslim Scholars Sheikh Dr. Mohammed bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa denounced the 'reprehensible act, which violates the sanctity of Islamic holy sites.'
He warned of the 'serious consequences of such provocations and the continued violations by Israeli forces, which are a flagrant breach of all international and humanitarian laws and norms, and a deliberate provocation of Muslims around the world.'
Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and hundreds of Israeli nationalists visited the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on Monday where they performed 'provocative' rituals at its courtyards amid heightened security measures.
Palestinian traders in Jerusalem's Old City returned to their shops on Tuesday to clean up a day after a march by Israeli nationalists that saw scuffles, insults and acts of vandalism.
Some had to use crowbars, hammers and wirecutters to regain access to their own shops after many were vandalized during the 'Jerusalem Day' march the day before.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Arab News
an hour ago
- Arab News
Minister of endowments thanks Saudi Arabia for caring for Syrian pilgrims
LONDON: Syrian Minister of Endowments Muhammad Abu Al-Khair Shukri praised Saudi Arabia's hospitality and care for pilgrims during a meeting with his Saudi counterpart, Tawfiq Al-Rabiah, in Makkah on Wednesday. An estimated 22,500 Syrians embarked on the first day of the Hajj pilgrimage on Wednesday, which ends on June 9. Shukri emphasized the importance of cooperation to help pilgrims perform their rituals smoothly during Hajj, reaffirming Syrian pilgrims' commitment to following Saudi instructions and regulations. The minister conveyed President Ahmad Al-Sharaa's greetings to the Saudi leadership. Al-Sharaa spoke this week with Syrian pilgrims in Makkah during a video call and asked them to act as 'messengers of Syria' and show a good example during the Hajj. Al-Rabiah expressed hope for stability and tranquility in Syria, according to the SANA news agency.
Arab News
an hour ago
- Arab News
Kingdom launches first mobile stroke unit for Hajj
MAKKAH: In a healthcare milestone for pilgrims, Saudi Arabia has deployed a mobile stroke unit for the first time at the Grand Mosque in Makkah during this year's Hajj. Dr. Abdullah Al-Harthi, an emergency medicine consultant and executive director of Ajyad Hospital, told Arab News that the unit was a state-of-the-art ambulance designed specifically for stroke cases, aiming to reduce the time between symptom onset and treatment — without the need for hospital transport. 'The unit can quickly access difficult locations and provide immediate care on-site, improving recovery and saving lives,' he said. It is equipped with a CT scanner, an intravenous contrast system and clot-dissolving medications. A remote communication system with high-speed internet and a 360-degree camera allows consultants to monitor patients in real time from anywhere. The team at the mobile stroke unit comprises a neurologist, cardiologist, respiratory therapist, emergency nurse, radiologist and paramedic. The unit is the result of a collaboration between Health Holding Co., via the Makkah Health Cluster, and King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, with support from the Ministry of Health. Al-Harthi said that the unit was designed to treat one patient at a time, with diagnosis and treatment typically completed within 15 minutes. It has already proven effective in several cases. He shared an example of a 60-year-old Ugandan pilgrim who recently arrived at Al-Haram Emergency Hospital with slurred speech and one-sided weakness. The pilgrim had collapsed inside the Grand Mosque due to a hemorrhage, prompting an immediate response. The patient was transferred to the mobile unit, where imaging was done and clot-dissolving treatment was administered. His condition improved within minutes. 'The patient was later moved to King Abdulaziz Hospital for intensive care, and within two days he showed remarkable recovery and expressed a desire to continue his pilgrimage,' Al-Harthi said. 'This highlights the importance of timely intervention in preserving brain function.' He praised the Ministry of Health and the Makkah Health Cluster for introducing this advanced technology during Hajj, crediting its success to strong coordination among government agencies. The unit was deployed to Jabal Al-Rahma Hospital on Tuesday as part of a broader strategy to ensure top-quality medical care for pilgrims, allowing them to complete their rituals safely and comfortably. Every year, tens of thousands of Hajj pilgrims benefit from services provided by health centers and hospitals at the holy sites. Saudi Arabia deploys about 50,000 healthcare and other professionals to work 24 hours a day during Islam's most important gathering.
Asharq Al-Awsat
2 hours ago
- Asharq Al-Awsat
Amid Gaza War, Israel Defense Exports Jump 13% in 2024 to Record $15 bln
Israel's defense exports rose 13% in 2024 to a record of nearly $15 billion, led by missiles, rockets and air-defense systems with over half the deliveries going to European militaries, the government said on Wednesday. Military exports, the Defense Ministry said in a statement, have more than doubled over the past five years, reaching nearly $15 billion in value in 2024. The ministry said that since the outbreak of the Gaza war on Oct. 7, 2023, Israel's defense industries have operated in emergency mode with round-the-clock arms production while also maintaining manufacturing for foreign clients. "The new record in Israeli defense exports, achieved during a year of war, reflects more than anything else the growing global appreciation for Israeli technology's proven capabilities," said Defense Ministry Director-General Amir Baram, Reuters reported. "Israeli systems have resonated throughout the Middle East this past year. More nations want to protect their citizens using Israeli defense equipment." The ministry said there was significant growth in contracts from Europe last year, where exports accounted for 54% of the total, up from 36% in 2023. Asia-Pacific was next at 23% with the United States at 9%. Missile, rocket and air defense systems comprised 48% of defence exports, followed by vehicles and armoured personnel carriers at 9%, and satellites and space systems, radar and electronic warfare, manned aircraft and avionics at 8% each. Some 57% of contracts amounted to more than $100 million.
