Jordan condemns Israel’s installation of barriers at Al Aqsa Mosque

AMMAN — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday condemned the Israeli occupation authorities' installation of iron barriers at three gates of Al Aqsa Mosque.

Ministry's Spokesperson Sufian Qudah warned against the continued obstructions by the occupation authorities to control access to the Al Aqsa Mosque, stressing the need to ensure free and unrestricted access to the 144-dunum mosque, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Qudah reiterated that Israel does not have sovereignty over occupied East Jerusalem, and it does not have the authority to impose any restrictions hindering the entry of worshippers to Al Aqsa Mosque.

He emphasised that the Jerusalem Endowments and Al Aqsa Mosque Affairs, under the Jordanian Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, is the sole authority responsible for Al Aqsa Mosque affairs.

He stressed that the ongoing "provocative" practices against the Al Aqsa Mosque constitute a 'blatant and rejected violation" of international law and the historical and legal status quo in Jerusalem and its holy sites.

He also called on the international community to shoulder its responsibilities and halt the ongoing Israeli violations of international law.