Jordan condemns storming of Al Aqsa by Israeli extremists

AMMAN — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates condemned the storming of Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif by extremists on Tuesday, who raised the Israeli flag within its courtyards under the protection of Israeli occupation forces, and obstructed worshippers' access. 

The extremist action represents a "blatant" and unacceptable violation of international law and the historical and legal status quo of Jerusalem and its holy sites, according to the ministry statement.

The ministry spokesperson Sufian Qudah said that Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif, with its full area of 144 dunams, is a place of worship exclusively for Muslims, with no Israeli sovereignty over it or over occupied East Jerusalem and its Islamic and Christian holy sites. 

He called on Israel, as the occupying force, to end all practices and violations against Al Aqsa Mosque and to respect its sanctity.

He emphasised the fact that Al Aqsa Mosque, with its total area of 144 dunums, is a place of worship exclusively for Muslims, reiterating that the Jordan-run Jerusalem Awqaf and Aqsa Affairs Depaartment is the sole authority able to supervise its affairs and manage entries to the site, according to international law and the legal and historical status quo.