Jordan deplores continued Israeli violations at Al Aqsa

AMMAN — Jordan on Thursday deplored the continued Israeli violations at Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif, the most recent of which was allowing a large number of extremists to break into the mosque under the protection of Israeli forces.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Deifallah Fayez said that the Israeli violations at Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif  are rejected and represent a clear violation to the legal and historical status quo, international law and Israel’s commitments as an occupying force, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.

Al Aqsa Mosque, with its total area of 144 dunums, is a place of worship for Muslims only, noting that the Jordan-run Jerusalem Awqaf and Aqsa Affairs Department, under international law and legal and historical status quo, is the authority to supervise its affairs and manage entries, Fayez stressed.

Fayez said that the ministry had sent an official note of protest through diplomatic channels, calling on Israel, the occupying force, to stop its violations and provocations and respect the legal and historical status quo, as well as the authority of the Jerusalem Awqaf and Aqsa Affairs Department.

The spokesperson also urged the international community to bear its responsibility and exert pressure on Israel to halt its ongoing violations and provocations at Al Haram Al Sharif.