Jordan denounces incursions by extremist settlers at Al Aqsa Mosque

AMMAN — Jordan on Wednesday condemned the continuous and increasing incursions by extremist settlers, the latest of which involved the storming of Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif earlier in the day, under the protection of Israeli forces, and their provocative actions within Al Haram Al Sharif that violate its sanctity.

The Foreign Ministry said that these incursions were accompanied by extensive presence of extremists within the old city of the occupied Jerusalem and at the gates of Al Haram Al Sharif, as well as restrictions on worshippers entering the mosque, according to a ministry statement.

The ministry added that these actions reflect a systematic Israeli policy that disregards international laws and Israel's obligations as the occupying power in occupied Jerusalem.

Ministry Spokesperson Sufian Qudah warned of the continuation of these condemned and rejected violations and provocative actions, which breach the legal and historical status quo of occupied Jerusalem and its holy sites and also represent a violation of international law.

He reiterated that Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif, with its entire area of 144 dunums, is a purely Muslim place of worship, and Israel has no sovereignty over it or over the occupied East Jerusalem and its Islamic and Christian holy sites.

Qudah demanded that Israel, as the occupying power, cease all practices and violations against Al Aqsa Mosque and respect its sanctity, warning against the continuation of these violations.

The spokesperson emphasised the necessity of respecting the authority of the Jordan-run Jerusalem Awqaf and Aqsa Affairs Department, affiliated with the Jordanian Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, as the exclusive authority responsible for managing all affairs of Al Aqsa Mosque /Al Haram Al Sharif and regulating entry to it.