Jordan slams Israel for allowing extremist break-ins at Al Aqsa

AMMAN — The Foreign Ministry on Sunday condemned the continuous Israeli attacks at Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif, the latest of which was allowing a large number of extremists to break into the mosque earlier in the day under the protection of Israeli forces and attacking worshippers.

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Deifallah Fayez, in a statement, said that the Israeli actions against Al Aqsa Mosque are rejected and condemned and represent a violation to the historical and legal status quo, international law and commitments of Israel as an occupying power in East Jerusalem.

Fayez noted that the Foreign Ministry on Sunday also sent an official note of protest calling on Israel to stop its violations and provocations, respect the historical and legal status quo, and to respect the sanctity of the mosque, freedom of worshippers and the authority of the Jordan-run Jerusalem and Al Aqsa Mosque Affairs Department.  

He also stressed that Al Aqsa Mosque, with its total area of 144 dunums, is a place of worship for Muslims only, and that the Jerusalem and Aqsa Mosque Affairs Department is the only institution allowed to administer the affairs of Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif and organise entry to the mosque.