Foreign Ministry denounces statements from Israeli religious affairs minister

AMMAN — Jordan on Tuesday condemned the Israeli religious affairs minister’s provocative and unjustified statements against Al Aqsa Mosque /Al Haram Al Sharif.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Haitham Abu Al Foul said that these statements are denounced, rejected and represent a dangerous violation to the historical and legal status of Al Aqsa Mosque, according to a ministry statement.

The spokesperson warned that the Israeli statement would fuel conflict and feed into extremism.

Foul said that Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif, with its total area of 144 dunums, including its walls and gates, is a place of worship for Muslims only.

He also stressed that the Jordan-run Jerusalem Awqaf and Aqsa Affairs Department, under international law and legal and historical status quo, has the exclusive authority to supervise the holy site’s affairs and manage entries.