AMMAN, Aug. 27 (Xinhua) -- Jordan's Foreign Ministry on Tuesday strongly condemned the reported Israeli plan to fund Jewish settlers' storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound.

In a statement, the ministry called the plan a blatant and unacceptable violation of international law, urging a clear international stance of condemnation and opposition against it.

Israel's far-right Heritage Minister Amichay Eliyahu ordered the allocation of 2 million shekels (about 543,000 U.S. dollars) for the plan, which is set to be implemented in a few weeks, Israeli public broadcaster Kan reported Monday.

Commenting on Israel's funding decision, Jordan's Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Sufian Qudah said it reflects Israel's systematic policy to alter the historical and legal status quo in Jerusalem and its holy sites.

Qudah warned that the move could further heighten tension in the West Bank and plunge it into a cycle of chaos and violence, particularly following the expansion of Israeli military operations and settler violence in the area.

He reiterated that the Al-Aqsa Mosque is a place of worship exclusively for Muslims and is supervised by the Jordanian Waqf.

The spokesperson demanded that Israel, as the occupying power, cease all violations against the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, respect its sanctity, and uphold the historical and legal status quo in Jerusalem and its holy sites.

On top of that, he stressed that Jordan will continue to take the necessary measures to stop the attacks on the holy sites.

The Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, known to Jews as the Temple Mount, holds sacred significance for both Muslims and Jews and has long been a flashpoint for deadly violence between the two sides. Under the status quo, non-Muslim worshippers may visit the site in the heart of the Old City but are not permitted to pray there. Enditem

Related

Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)