Foreign Ministry condemns ongoing Israeli violations at Al Aqsa Mosque

AMMAN — The Foreign Ministry on Tuesday condemned the ongoing Israeli violations at Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif, the latest of which was allowing extremist settlers to enter the compound in large numbers, under the protection of Israeli forces, during the Jewish holidays in September. 

The Israeli forces also allowed these extremists to perform provocative actions that obstructed the work of employees of the Jordan-run Jerusalem Awqaf and Aqsa Affairs Department, according to a Foreign Ministry statement. 

Ministry Spokesperson Haitham Abu Al Foul said that the ministry, earlier in the day, sent an official note of protest calling on Israel to stop its violations and provocations and to respect the historical and legal status quo, the sanctity of the mosque and the department’s authority. 

Abu Al Foul stressed that Al Aqsa Mosque, with its total area of 144 dunums, is a place of worship for Muslims only. He noted that the Jordan-run Jerusalem Awqaf and Aqsa Affairs Department is the sole authority to supervise its affairs and manage entries, according to international law and the legal and historical status quo.

The Israeli violations at Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif are rejected. They provoke the feelings of Muslims around the world and represent a clear violation to international law and Israel’s commitments as an occupying force, the spokesperson added.