US condemns Israeli storming of al-Aqsa Mosque as 'unacceptable'

US State Department criticises Israeli leaders, highlighting the impact on peace negotiations and regional stability

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WASHINGTON:

The storming of the al-Aqsa Mosque complex in occupied East Jerusalem by hundreds of radical Israelis is "unacceptable," the US Statement Department said Tuesday.

"Let me just say clearly that the United States stands firmly for preservation of the historic status quo with respect to the holy sites of Jerusalem.

"Any unilateral action like this that jeopardises such a status quo is unacceptable," deputy spokesman Vedant Patel told reporters.

Read also: Hundreds of Israeli settlers storm Al-Aqsa Mosque

His remarks came after illegal Israeli settlers, as well as far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, his fellow Otzma Yehudit party minister Yitzhak Wasserlauf and Knesset member of the Likud party Amit Halevi, stormed the complex to commemorate Tisha B'Av, an annual Jewish fasting day that marks the occurrence of several disasters in Jewish history.

"And not only is it unacceptable, it detracts from what we think is a vital time as we are working to get this ceasefire deal across the finish line.

"It detracts from what our stated goal is for the region, which is a two-state solution, a Palestinian state and an Israeli state that's side by side, living in with dignity and harmony," Patel added.