Jordan condemns Israel violations near Al-Aqsa Mosque

The Jordanian foreign ministry yesterday condemned Israel’s actions near Al-Buraq (the Western Wall), stressing it is an inalienable part of Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Israel had reportedly set up steel and wooden structures near Al-Buraq, in contravention of the status quo agreement with Jordan over the administration of Al-Aqsa compound.

Foreign ministry spokesman, Sufian Al-Qudat, said that only the Palestinian Authority (PA) is responsible for dealing with issues related to Al-Aqsa Mosque, as stipulated by international law. Al-Qudat also stressed that Israel, as an occupying power, has to respect this agreement, Jordanian news agency Petra reported.

Al-Qudat also emphasised that Jerusalem’s Awqaf Department (which administers Al-Aqsa) is the only party with the power to carry out maintenance and renovation works in Al-Aqsa Mosque and the surrounding compound, an area which consists of 144 dunams (35 acres) of land.

The spokesman continued by reiterating the importance of the international community putting pressure on Israel to maintain the historical and legal status of Al-Aqsa Mosque. He blamed the Israeli occupation for anything which undermines the safety of the mosque and its worshippers, as well as calling for Israel to end all such measures immediately.

Jordan also called on Israel to hand over the brick which fell from the Al-Buraq on 23 July to Jerusalem’s Awqaf Department.

Read: Israel police end siege of Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque