Jordan 'strongly condemns' Israel’s closure of Al Aqsa Mosque

By JT - Feb 18,2019 - Last updated at Feb 18,2019

Israeli forces detain a Palestinian demonstrator during confrontations, after protesters tried to break the lock on a gate at Al Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem's Old City on Monday, after it was closed by Israel (AFP photo)

AMMAN — Jordan on Monday condemned “in the strongest possible terms” the Israeli closure of Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif in occupied Jerusalem and the assaults on worshippers.

Foreign Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Sufian Qudah demanded that Israel, as the occupying power, “act in accordance with international law and immediately reopen the gates, respect the sanctity of the holy place, stop hampering the entry of worshippers, withdraw its security forces from Al Aqsa Mosque and respect the feelings of Muslims”, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The spokesperson also slammed the Israeli measures at Al Aqsa as “a flagrant violation of the historical and legal status quo and Israel’s obligations under the international law and the international humanitarian law”, holding Israel fully responsible for the safety of Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif, Petra reported.

He stressed that the Foreign Ministry is “following up on this dangerous development through various channels to ensure the reopening of the gates and the restoration of calm at Al Haram Al Sharif”.

Qudah said that the ministry has lodged a protest with the Israeli foreign ministry, that carried Jordan’s condemnation of the provocative Israeli actions against Al Haram Al Sharif, and demanded their immediate cessation, Petra reported.

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