Jordanians deplore Israeli assault of worshippers at Al Aqsa Mosque

AMMAN — Demonstrations have been held across the Islamic world in solidarity with the oppressed people of Palestine after Israeli forces on Friday broke into Al Aqsa Mosque and assaulted worshippers, according to social media posts. 

“Friday's clashes come after three weeks of violence and simmering tensions,” reported AFP news agency. 

AFP added that more than 150 people were wounded on Friday in clashes between Palestinian demonstrators and Israeli forces at Jerusalem's Al Aqsa Mosque compound, the first face-off in the area since the start of Ramadan.

“We are calling for Arab and international support for Al Aqsa Mosque worshippers,” an anonymous protestor at a demonstration in Amman on Friday told The Jordan Times. 

“The dignity of all Muslims, not just our Palestinian brothers, is being violated. Muslim lands are bleeding every day,” he concluded. 

“It is not the first time that Al Aqsa Mosque has faced a surge of attacks during the holy month of Ramadan,” Jordanian Mustafa Darweesh told The Jordan Times. 

Darweesh added that the clashes come at a particularly sensitive time for all Muslims, and Ramadan this year coincides with Passover and Easter, he said. 

“I strongly denounce Israel's brutal assault on Palestinian worshippers at the Al Aqsa Mosque,” Jordanian Farah Khaled told The Jordan Times.

She added that Palestinian people have to be protected against this violence and their right to recover all ownership rights.

Khaled said that international community has to step up and assume their responsibilities, put an end to the aggressive provocations, and ensure the protection of Palestinians and their holy sites.

“Palestinian lives matter,” she concluded.