Jordan condemns Israeli incursion and attack on worshippers in Al-Aqsa Mosque

The Jordanian government has condemned Friday’s violence when Israeli security forces entered Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem and attacked worshippers gathered for the main prayer of the week. Severe clashes erupted inside the courtyard of the Noble Sanctuary of Al-Aqsa immediately after the Friday prayer as the Israeli occupation forces blocked the entrances to the mosque.

Jordan’s Minister for Media Affairs and Communications, Mohammed Al-Momani, condemned the incursion and the fact that the soldiers fired tear gas and hot pepper spray at those praying in the mosque, which is the third holiest site in the Muslim world. The use of rubber bullets was also condemned. Those affected included the elderly, women and children. Al-Momani said that this is the second time this month that the Israelis have blocked the gates of Al-Aqsa.

During the clashes, the Israelis prevented ambulances and paramedics from going into the mosque to deal with dozens of casualties.

Jerusalem’s Department for Religious Endowments and Legal Opinions called upon the Jordanians and other Muslim countries to take international action to stop such incursions and infringements by the Israelis.