Jordan blames Israeli PM for fresh violations at Al Aqsa

AMMAN — Jordan on Tuesday condemned the Israeli Knesset members’ break-in into Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif under the protection of the Israeli forces, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

State Minister for Media Affairs Mohammad Momani stressed that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s decision to remove the ban on the Knesset members’ visits to the mosque is irresponsible and likely to increase tension at the Muslim holy place.

Momani, who is also the government’s spokesperson, added that Jordan is expecting measures that contribute to ongoing international efforts, especially those by the US, to resume the Palestinian-Israeli peace talks on the basis of the two-state solution.

He expressed rejection and condemnation of the Israeli provocations.

The minister called on Israel, as the occupying power, to take measures that would stop provocative acts by the Israeli extremists and to maintain the ban on visits by Knesset members and ministers that was imposed two years ago.   

His Majesty King Abdullah is the custodian of the holy places in Old Jerusalem.