Jordan denounces continued Israeli violations at Al Aqsa

AMMAN — The Foreign Ministry on Thursday denounced the continued Israeli violations at Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif, the latest of which was vandalising the locks of Bab Al Silsila (Al Silsila Gate) and the gate leading to the roof of the Islamic Museum. 

Israeli violations also included harassing Awqaf employees, cutting the wires of external loudspeakers of Al Haram Al Sharif from the western side and allowing the entry of large numbers of extremists into the mosque under the protection of Israeli forces, according to a Foreign Ministry statement. 

Ministry Spokesperson Deifallah Fayez said that the ministry earlier on Thursday sent an official note of protest to the Israeli authorities, reminding Israel that it must commit to its obligations as an occupation force in East Jerusalem as stipulated in international law. 

The protest note also called on Israel to stop its provocative acts and respect the authority of the Jordan-run Jerusalem and Aqsa Mosque Affairs Department, which is the only institution allowed to administrate the affairs of Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif, he added. 

Fayez also stressed that Israeli forces’ acts are utterly rejected and denounced and have to be stopped immediately for being a blatant violation to the status quo and a provocation of the feelings of Muslims. 

The spokesperson stressed that Al Aqsa Mosque, with its total area of 144 dunums, is a place of worship for Muslims only.