AMMAN, April 17 (Xinhua) -- Jordan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Thursday condemned the "storming" of Israeli lawmakers and settlers into the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem, describing the move as a violation of the site's status and an act that risks increasing tensions.

In a statement, the ministry said the visit breached the established historical and legal arrangements at the site. It described the actions as a provocation and an escalation that undermines the sanctity of Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Ministry spokesperson Sufian Qudah said Jordan rejects the "incursions by members of the Israeli Knesset" and others into the compound. He said the visits challenge Israel's obligations as the occupying power in Jerusalem and warned that they could contribute to instability in the area.

"These actions are part of a broader attempt to change the situation at the site, both in terms of time and space," Qudah said. He urged the international community to act to stop what he referred to as ongoing violations of Islamic and Christian sites in Jerusalem.

The statement followed reports that Zvi Sukkot, a member of the Israeli parliament from the far-right Religious Zionist Party, entered the compound alongside settlers under police protection. The Islamic Endowments Department in Jerusalem said at least 1,650 settlers entered the site on Thursday.

Sukkot was reported to have carried out a religious act known as "epic prostration" inside the compound. His actions were publicly praised by former Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

Qudah reaffirmed Jordan's position that the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound is a place of worship for Muslims only. He added that the Jordanian Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, through its Jerusalem Awqaf and Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs Department, is the only authority authorized to manage the site's affairs.

The Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, a frequent flashpoint for violence, is revered by Muslims as a noble sanctuary and by Jews as the site of two ancient temples. Non-Muslims are allowed to visit the site but are prohibited from praying there under the status quo. Ben-Gvir, an ultranationalist politician, has long advocated for expanded Jewish access to the compound.

Tensions escalated at the site in April 2023, when violent confrontations between Palestinians and Israeli police resulted in 50 injuries and at least 400 arrests. These clashes followed reports that Jews planned to sacrifice a goat at the site, an act forbidden by Israeli law.

Israel annexed the eastern sector of the city, including the Old City where the compound lies, in 1967, a move that remains unrecognized by most of the international community. Enditem

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