Saudi Arabia has issued a stern warning that persistent attacks on Palestinian holy sites by Israeli forces and extremist settlers now threaten the foundations of the international system.

In a statement issued by the Kingdom’s foreign ministry on Friday, Riyadh “strongly condemned and denounced the continued violations perpetrated by the Israeli occupation authorities and extremist settlers” at locations such as the courtyards of the al-Aqsa Mosque and the Hajja Hamida Mosque in the West Bank village of Kafr Haris.

The statement argued that the “continuation of these attacks without deterrence undermines international and regional efforts to achieve peace and leads to an escalation of tension and the perpetuation of the conflict.” It added that “international silence regarding these practices and the failure to activate accountability mechanisms in light of the continued Israeli attacks and violations weakens the foundations of the international order, and undermines the principles of international law.”

The Kingdom’s remarks are underpinned by a growing Saudi position that any normalisation of relations with Israel must rest on tangible advances for Palestinian statehood and the protection of Palestinian rights, including safeguarding religious sites.

Saudi officials view the reported incursions by Israeli extremists at al-Aqsa — Islam’s third-holiest site — as aggravating risk and inflaming regional sentiment.

Diplomatic observers note that the statement signals Riyadh’s willingness to publicly criticize Israeli actions — a shift from the low-key tone the kingdom employed during earlier phases of the war in Gaza.

The warning also amplifies pressure on influential powers to move beyond rhetoric toward active enforcement of accountability mechanisms.

The timing of the statement comes amid intensified efforts by Saudi Arabia to recalibrate its regional role, bolster its leadership in the Arab-Muslim world and shape any forthcoming peace architecture.

By framing the current debate around violations of international law and potential collapse of order, Riyadh is positioning itself as both a protector of the Palestinian cause and a driver of greater alignment between the Arab world and institutional frameworks for justice and peace.

While the Israeli government maintains a right to defend its security and protect its citizens, the Saudi statement underscores that such actions must comply with international humanitarian standards and respect the sanctity of religious sites.

The evolving Saudi posture may complicate future normalization efforts with Israel and re-shape the broader Middle East security and diplomatic agenda as the region heads into a critical phase of negotiation and potential realignment.