Pakistan, May 15 -- Saudi Arabia has strongly condemned what it described as an "provocative act" by an Israeli minister at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, calling it a violation of Islamic sanctities and international law.

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In a statement, the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs criticised the Israeli official's actions, saying he entered the Al-Aqsa Mosque under police protection, raised the Israeli flag and performed what it called "provocative gestures" at the site.

The ministry said such actions undermine respect for one of Islam's holiest sites and represent a serious breach of international norms governing religious and cultural heritage locations...