Jordan condemns increased incursions by extremist settlers into Al-Aqsa Mosque

Amman: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates has issued a strong condemnation of the ongoing and increasing incursions by extremist settlers into Al-Aqsa Mosque - Al-Haram Al-Sharif. The latest incident occurred today, Wednesday, under the protection of Israeli occupation police. These provocative actions within Al-Haram Al-Sharif violate its sanctity and were marked by a significant presence of extremists in the Old City of occupied Jerusalem and at the gates of Al-Haram Al-Sharif, restricting the entry of worshipers into the mosque. The ministry described these actions as part of a systematic Israeli policy that blatantly disregards international laws and Israel's obligations as the occupying power in Jerusalem. Ministry spokesperson, Ambassador Sufian Al-Qudah, warned that these condemned and rejected violations and provocations breach the established legal and historical status quo in occupied Jerusalem and its holy sites, and constitute a violation of international law. Al-Qudah reiterated that Al-Aqsa Mosque - Al-Haram Al-Sharif, encompassing its entire 144-dunum area, is a place of worship exclusively for Muslims. He emphasized that Israel has no sovereignty over it or over occupied East Jerusalem and its Islamic and Christian holy sites. He called on Israel, as the occupying power, to cease all practices and violations against Al-Aqsa Mosque - Al-Haram Al-Sharif and to respect its sanctity, warning of the serious consequences if these violations continue. Al-Qudah also stressed the necessity of respecting the authority of the Jerusalem Waqf Administration, affiliated with the Jordanian Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, which is the sole authority responsible for managing all affairs of Al-Aqsa Mosque - Al-Haram Al-Sharif and regulating entry into it. Source: Jordan News Agency