The Temple Mount
Photo: AFP
Jordan holds Israel responsible after Jews 'dishonored al-Aqsa'
After 15 Jews were arrested for bowing on the Temple Mount, Jordanian government slams Israeli authorities for 'allowing Jewish extremists to storm Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif,' saying they 'violated the sanctity of the mosque.'
The Jordanian government has strongly condemned the presence of Jews at the al-Aqsa mosque complex on Wednesday after 15 Jews were arrested for bowing on the Temple Mount, where they are not allowed to pray, while others sang the Israeli national anthem.
A statement from the Jordanian government slammed Israeli authorities for "allowing Jewish extremists to storm Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif," which they said "violated the sanctity of the mosque and offended the feelings of Muslims around the world."
The Jordanian government "held Israel, as the occupying power, fully responsible for such a violation that encouraged settlers to 'dishonor the mosque' and for not stopping Knesset members' provocative calls to storm the mosque."
Jerusalem Day celebrations at the Western Wall (Photo: EPA)
Jordan's Minister of State for Media Affairs Mohammad Momani, who serves as the government's spokesman, warned against Israeli attempts to change the status quo on the Temple Mount, adding that "Israeli hostility will have severe consequences on Muslims' holy sites, international laws and the peace agreement signed with Jordan."
"Al Aqsa Mosque is for Muslims alone," Momani said in his statement, adding that "Jordan will utilize all its legal and diplomatic options to protect holy sites, Quds Awqaf employees and prayer performers at the mosque."
On Wednesday, some 75,000 people participated in the annual Flag Dance Parade that goes through Jerusalem's Old City as part of celebrations of 50 years to the city's unification. Some of them went into the Old City through the Jaffa Gate while others headed to the Damascus Gate to get to the Western Wall through the Muslim Quarter.
Some left wing activists tried to stop the parade from going through the Muslim Quarter, but they were removed by Border Police forces.
