Awqaf Ministry deplores Israeli extremists’ desecration of Al Aqsa Mosque 

AMMAN — The Ministry of Awqaf on Thursday reiterated its absolute rejection of attacks by the extremist occupation authorities that desecrate the sanctity of Al Aqsa Mosque.

In a statement, cited by the Jordan News Agency, Petra, Awqaf Minister Mohammad Khalaileh said that allowing Jewish extremists to desecrate Al Aqsa Mosque with various forms of allegations, incitement and offensive Talmudic rituals aims to alter the religious, historical and legal status quo that has existed for more than 1,400 years.

Khalaileh added that the ministry is following up with great concern the brutal violations committed by Israeli occupation forces at Al Aqsa Mosque, against worshipers and its management.

The minister also denounced Israeli restrictions on worshippers, preventing their entry to the mosque, and deplored attempts to impose a spatial and temporal division of the mosque. He stressed that it is a sole place of worship for Muslims only under the Hashemite Custodianship.

Hailing the steadfastness and resilience of Jerusalem Awqaf administration, Jerusalemites and worshipers in the mosque, he called on all people who can reach Jerusalem to travel and pray in the mosque to strengthen their support for Jerusalemites.

The minister also stressed that the Kingdom is committed to continuing to protect Al Aqsa Mosque and safeguard it from all "defilement and distortion".