Jordan condemns Israeli gov’t official, Knesset members’ storming of Al Aqsa

AMMAN — The Foreign Ministry on Thursday condemned the storming of Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif by an Israeli government official, as well as members of the Knesset and extremist groups who participated in provocative behaviours under the protection of the Israeli forces, according to a ministry statement. 

Voicing the country’s alarm, the ministry warned of the escalation that follows these provocative and inflammatory marches in occupied Jerusalem.

The ministry statement reiterated that Israel has no sovereignty over Jerusalem and its holy sites, also affirming that East Jerusalem remains Palestinian territory under occupation.

The ministry spokesperson, Sinan Al Majali, stressed that the invasion of Al Aqsa Mosque by an individual from the Israeli government and members of the Knesset, along with the ongoing incursions by extremists and their provocative practices conducted under the protection of the Israeli forces, is regarded a violation of the historical and legal status quo, as well as a breach of international law. 

Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif, with its total area of 144 dunums, is a place of worship for Muslims alone, and the Jordan-run Jerusalem Awqaf and Aqsa Affairs Department has the “exclusive authority” to supervise the holy site’s affairs and manage entries, he reiterated. 

The ministry’s spokesperson called upon Israel, as the occupying power, to immediately cease all attacks and violations at Al Aqsa Mosque, respect its sanctity, terminate measures aimed at changing the historical and legal status quo and respect the authority of the Jordan-run Jerusalem Awqaf and Aqsa Affairs Department in managing the affairs of Al Aqsa Mosque.