Islamic Movement in Israel criticises Kerry’s ‘understandings’ regarding Al-Aqsa Mosque

US Secretary of State’s latest comments regarding the situation in Jerusalem are “useless” and aim to “reinforce Israeli control over Jerusalem”, the Anadolu Agency reported the Islamic Movement in Israel saying.

In a statement released after Israel placed cameras around Al-Aqsa Mosque courtyards, the movement said: “These understandings aim to abort Jordanian custodianship over Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque even although placing cameras was a Jordanian demand.”

The statement also warned of the use of the words “status quo”, stressing that Netanyahu plays with words.

“The sole meaning of the word ‘status quo’ is that it is necessary for the Israeli occupation to leave Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque because this word has referred to undisputed Islamic sovereignty over Al-Aqsa Mosque, including the Al-Buraq Wall,” the statement said.

On Sunday, Kerry announced the measures he believes are in place in Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque. Israel’s YnetNews website reported Kerry saying that he understood Israel “fully respects” Jordan’s “special role” as custodian of Al-Aqsa; Israel will continue to enforce its policy of religious worship, including “the fundamental fact” that it is Muslims who pray there and non-Muslims who visit; Israel has no intention of dividing the site and rejects any attempt to suggest otherwise; and Israel welcomes increased coordination between Israeli authorities and Jordan to ensure that visitors and worshippers “demonstrate respect and restraint”.

He also said that Jordanian and Israeli officials would meet soon to coordinate to follow up on these points.