Jordan denounces Israeli interventions, violations at Al Aqsa

AMMAN — The Foreign Ministry on Monday condemned the Israeli intervention in the works of the Jordan-run Department of the Jerusalem Awqaf and Al Aqsa Mosque Affairs, and hindering the restoration work of the Qubbat Al Sakhrah (Dome of the Rock) Mosque.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Deifallah Fayez rejected Israeli actions against the department, stressing that the department is the sole authority responsible for the supervision and maintenance of Al Haram Al Sharif, according to a ministry statement.

The spokesperson called on Israel, as the occupying power, to abide by its commitments under international law, halt the irresponsible behaviour and respect the historical and legal status quo and the authority of the department, stressing that the 144-dunum Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif belongs to Muslims only.

He said that the ministry earlier in the day referred an official protest note through diplomatic channels in which it demanded that Israel refrain from such violations and provocations, and respect the mandate of the Jordan-run department.