Jordan warns of ‘catastrophic’ consequences of Israeli violations at Al Aqsa Mosque

AMMAN — The Foreign Ministry on Saturday warned of the “catastrophic” consequences of Israel's continued violation of the historical and legal status quo at Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif, also emphasising the sanctity of the holy sites and the right of Muslims to perform their religious rituals during the holy month of Ramadan. 

The Israeli forces' desecration of Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif and its assault on worshippers in an attempt to evacuate the mosque, in preparation for major incursions into Al Haram Al Sharif, will lead to more tension and violence, for which “everyone will pay the price”, warned Ministry Spokesperson Sinan Majali in a statement.

He said that the Israeli government bears responsibility for the escalation in Jerusalem and in all the occupied Palestinian territories.

Israel is responsible for accelerating the deterioration of the situation if it does not cease raiding Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif and terrorising Muslim worshippers during the holy month of Ramadan, Majali said. 

Majali stressed that the Jordan-run Jerusalem Awqaf and Aqsa Affairs Department is the only authorised entity to supervise the holy site’s affairs and guarantee security, provided that Israel stops its attacks at Al Aqsa Mosque, lifts the occupation-imposed restrictions on its staff and respects the historical and legal status quo in the holy sites and the right of worshippers to practise their religious rituals.

Israeli attacks on worshippers and Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif spark violence and increase tensions, Majali said, adding that in order to prevent further tensions, Israel must cease its violations of international law at Al Aqsa Mosque, and recognise Palestinians’ right to perform their religious rituals.