Doha: The State of Qatar has strongly condemned a Houthi drone attack targeting the holy city of Makkah Al Mukkaramah, describing it as a violation of religious, moral, and humanitarian principles.

According to Qatar News Agency, a Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement on Wednesday expressed Doha's condemnation in the strongest possible terms of any attempt to threaten the sanctity of the holy city and its Masjid Al Haram, Islam's holiest mosque.

The statement described the attack as an act of aggression and a provocation of the sentiments of more than a billion Muslims around the world. It further stressed that the sanctity and security of the holy sites and the safety of those visiting them must not be targeted, threatened, or used in conflicts.

The statement warned that actions endangering Makkah and the Islamic holy sites would constitute a grave escalation and disregard for their religious and spiritual significance to Muslims. The State of Qatar expressed full solidarity with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and said it supported measures taken by Riyadh to protect its security, territory, Islamic holy sites, and pilgrims.

The ministry also reaffirmed Qatar's categorical rejection of attacks on civilians and holy sites, and called for respect for the sanctity of religious sites and for them to be kept away from the consequences of regional conflicts and escalation.