Jordan rejects Israeli campaign to hold Awqaf Department responsible for Al Aqsa escalations

AMMAN — Jordan has countered an Israeli diplomatic campaign that attempted to distort the nature of the situation at Al Aqsa Mosque, and fallaciously holding the Awqaf Department’s administration responsible for the dangerous escalation that resulted from Israeli attacks on th holy sites, according to an official source.

The Foreign Ministry refused to receive messages that Israel attempted to communicate through third parties regarding what is happening at Al Aqsa Mosque, the source said.

The ministry informed the third parties that Jordan rejects Israel's attempts to distort the facts by claiming the Awqaf Department is responsible for the tensions at the Al Haram Al Sharif, the source added.

The Foreign Ministry informed the third parties that Jordan is ready to receive a direct message from Israel if the message states that Israel has stopped its violations at Al Aqsa Mosque and attempts to alter the historical and legal status quo, ceased its attacks on worshippers, and has lifted restrictions on freedom of worship, the source added.

The ministry informed the third parties that the Awqaf Department, which has the exclusive authority to manage all affairs of the Al Haram Al Sharif as a purely Muslim place of worship, is capable of fulfilling its full role if the Israeli attacks that fuel violence and lead to escalation stop, the source said.

The ministry confirmed that Israel bears full responsibility for the escalation and its consequences, and that its futile attempts to hold the Awqaf Department responsible for the situation will not succeed in masking its violations, which are pushing towards a volatile situation.

The Foreign Ministry has intensified its efforts with regional and international contacts to mobilise an international position that halts Israeli actions, the source said.

Jordan continues to work to restore calm to the situation by exerting efforts to stop Israeli actions that hinder de-escalation, according to the source.