Early Thursday morning, Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, known for his far-right views, entered the courtyards of the Al-Aqsa Mosque under the protection of Israeli occupation police.
According to the Palestinian News Agency (WAFA), local sources reported that Ben-Gvir accessed the mosque from the Moroccan Gate, touring the eastern courtyard accompanied by a large contingent of Israeli police officers.
During this incursion, worshippers were prevented from entering the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
This marks Ben-Gvir’s third incursion into the Al-Aqsa Mosque within the past year, highlighting ongoing tensions in the region.
In a strongly worded statement, the Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned Ben-Gvir’s actions.
Describing the visit as a “provocative step,” the statement reiterated Jordan’s rejection and condemnation of the incursion, as reported by the Jordan News Agency (Petra).
“The extremist Israeli government continues its policies that disregard international laws and obligations in occupied Jerusalem,” the Jordanian statement asserted.
It called for a strong international response to denounce these violations and provide necessary protection for the Palestinian people, especially amidst Israel’s aggressive war on the Gaza Strip.
The statement continued, “Al-Aqsa Mosque is a place of worship for Muslims, and its administration falls under the authority of the Jordanian Islamic Waqf.”
Jordan emphasized Palestine’s right to sovereignty over occupied Jerusalem and its religious sanctities.
Israel’s violations against Palestinians in the West Bank continue alongside its ongoing war on the Gaza Strip, which has resulted in approximately 39,000 deaths, nearly 90,000 injuries, and thousands of missing persons.
