Jordanians hit streets to protest Israeli violations in Jerusalem

AMMAN — Hundreds of Jordanians from across the political spectrum took to the streets of Downtown Amman to protest the Israeli incursions into Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, calling for Arab countries to take immediate action to protect worshippers at the holy site. 

Chanting slogans in support of Al Aqsa Mosque and for urgent unified Arab action, hundreds of angry demonstrators took part in the march, which was broadcast live on social media following Friday prayer.

Israel imposed tight entry restrictions at Al Aqsa Mosque, expelled worshipers from the mosque and detained many Palestinians, according to several international news agencies.

However, despite the tightening of restrictions and the violence imposed by the Israeli occupation authorities, over 140,000 Palestinians performed Isha (evening prayer) and Taraweeh (special Ramadan prayer) in the courtyards of Al Aqsa Mosque on Friday, the Jordan News Agency, Petra reported.

Marches were also held in various governorates on Friday condemning Israeli attacks and violations in Jerusalem, according to Petra.

Protesters commended the Jerusalemites’ strength and the steadfastness against the violence of the Israeli occupation. 

Israeli forces stormed Al Aqsa Mosque and used excessive force to expel Palestinians from the Al Aqsa compound. Whoever refused to evacuate the mosque was detained; this is unacceptable, said Dima Saeed, one of the protesters. 

“Israeli occupation violates international resolutions, covenants and treaties,” Saeed added. 

Saeed called for immediate action by all Arab nations and rulers to “put an end” to these ongoing violations. “Arabs keep their part of the international covenants, unlike Israeli occupation,” said Saeed. 

“We call on Arab leaders to hold an urgent meeting to stop Israeli provocations,” Saeed added.  

Talia Nsour, one of the demonstrators protesting in downtown Amman, told The Jordan Times that she took part in the rally to express solidarity with Palestinians as they struggle to safeguard Al Aqsa from Israeli aggression. 

“We want to send a message that all Jordanians stand ready to protect Jerusalem from Israeli schemes to Judaise the third holiest site in Islam,” Nsour added. 

Nsour noted that Jordanians stand in solidarity with Palestinian resistance and demand that the government take immediate action to protect Palestinian lives.