Jordan condemns incursions by Israeli settlers into Al Aqsa Mosque

AMMAN — Jordan on Sunday condemned the recent incursions by Israeli settlers into the Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif and their provocative, escalatory actions that violate the sanctity of the holy site. 

A  Foreign Ministry statement held Israel, as an occupying force, fully responsible for these violations, which take place under the protection of occupation forces.

Sufian Qudah, the ministry's spokesperson, reiterated the Kingdom's rejection of the violations of the historical and legal status quo of Jerusalem and its Islamic and Christian holy sites.

He called on Israel to immediately cease all provocative actions by extremist settlers aimed at altering the status quo at Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif, warning of the consequences of such actions, which, he added, "are being encouraged by extremist ministers within the Israeli government."

Israel, as an occupying force, has no sovereignty over occupied Jerusalem or its Islamic and Christian shrines, Qudah said, reiterating that the entire area of Al Aqsa Mosque, covering 144 dunums, is an exclusive place of worship for Muslims. 

The Jordanian Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, through the Jerusalem Awqaf Administration, remains the sole legal authority responsible for managing the affairs of Al Haram Al Sharif and regulating access to it, he pointed out.