Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir Visits Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound, Drawing Condemnation from Qatar
Qatar's Foreign Ministry issued a sharp rebuke of Itamar Ben-Gvir's actions at the Al-Aqsa Mosque, calling them a violation of international law. Separately, Israeli forces struck a motorcycle in southern Lebanon and intercepted a suspicious aerial target as military activity intensified in the region.
Qatar denounced Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex on Thursday. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the action as an unacceptable provocation to the sentiments of millions of Muslims around the world. It described the move as a blatant violation of international law and international humanitarian law.
Qatar warned that Ben-Gvir’s action represented a dangerous attempt to alter the historical and legal status quo in occupied Jerusalem. The ministry stated that unilateral measures in Jerusalem are null and void under international law. It also denounced provocative actions by Israeli settlers, including restricting access to the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
The ministry called on the international community to compel Israel to stop its ongoing violations against Palestinians and to comply with international resolutions. @AJEnglish reported that the Qatar condemnation was issued on Thursday via the Qatar News Agency. In southern Lebanon, an Israeli strike hit a motorcycle in the town of al-Majadel.
Lebanon’s state-run National News Agency said there was no immediate report on casualties from the strike. Israel’s military has intensified targeted strikes on cars and motorcycles in Lebanon’s south and near Beirut in recent days. Israel’s air force intercepted a suspicious aerial target in the airspace where its military is operating in southern Lebanon.
The interception occurred as Israeli operations continued in the area. The UAE will accelerate construction of its new oil pipeline through Fujairah. Crown Prince Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan chaired a meeting of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company’s executive committee to discuss updates on the pipeline.
The pipeline will transport oil from Abu Dhabi to the Gulf of Oman, bypassing the Strait of Hormuz. The UAE pipeline is scheduled to operate in 2027. It will double the UAE’s export capacity via Fujairah.
The project aims to meet global energy demand amid regional tensions. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran is not to blame for disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. In comments reported by @AJEnglish, Araghchi stated that Tehran did not initiate the war and is only defending itself.
He reiterated that the strait is open to vessels of friendly countries that coordinate with Iranian officials and closed only to Iran’s enemies.
Key Facts
Potential Impact
- 01
UAE pipeline acceleration could reduce reliance on the Strait of Hormuz for oil exports starting in 2027
- 02
Iran's position on the Strait of Hormuz may affect negotiations over regional maritime security
- 03
Qatar's call for international pressure on Israel may complicate diplomatic efforts in the region
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