Panel calls for emergency House session on Al Aqsa Mosque violations

AMMAN — The Lower House’s Palestine Committee and the Awqaf Ministry on Wednesday discussed the latest developments related to Al Aqsa Mosque.

MP Yahya Saud, head of the committee, during a meeting with Awqaf Minister Abdul Nasser Abul Bassal, called on the government to take immediate action at the local, Arab and international levels to stop the Israeli occupation forces and settlers’ attempts to harm Jerusalem and Al Aqsa Mosque. 

The panel called for the House to hold an emergency meeting on Sunday to review events in Jerusalem and the mosque, Saud said, adding that the committee will stay in session to follow up on Israeli practices, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

The deputy praised His Majesty King Abdullah’s role in defending the Palestinian cause, as well as the Islamic and Christian holy sites. 

He also commended the continuous efforts of the ministry, the Jerusalem Awqaf Council and the Jordan-affiliated Jerusalem Awqaf Department in combating Israeli attacks and the US’ “utter bias” in the occupation.

Abul Bassal said that the attacks on the mosque and holy sites would have been worse without the support of King Abdullah and the Jordanian government.

Following King Abdullah’s directives, the government is intensely following up on events in Jerusalem, the minister said, referring to the government’s efforts on Tuesday to reopen Al Aqsa Mosque for prayers.

He also commended the role of the Lower House and the panel for their continuous follow-up with the ministry in various areas, and particularly areas related to Jerusalem and Al Aqsa Mosque.