Jordan has summoned the Israeli ambassador to Amman to protest against a recent attack on Palestinian worshippers at the al Aqsa Mosque compound in East al-Quds (Jerusalem).
The Jordanian Foreign Ministry on Monday condemned “radical Israeli attempts” to break into the mosque under the protection of Israeli forces and the arrest of worshippers at the holy site, the state-run Petra news agency reported.
The Jordanian ministry also called on Daniel Nevo to convey the country’s protest and rejection of Israel’s treatment of Palestinian worshipers.
Jordan also urged an end to the violence and warned that such Israeli attacks are “violation” of international agreements.
Witnesses said Israeli troops on April 20 used tear gas and sound bombs to disperse the worshippers in the mosque’s compound. Sixteen people were also arrested.
The latest clashes erupted when a group of extremist Israeli settlers along with a Knesset (Israeli parliament) member entered the holy site. The move triggered clashes with Israeli troops raiding the compound to protect the settlers.
The new skirmishes came amid reports that Israeli officials have unveiled the model of a Jewish temple to be constructed near the compound that reportedly has a big hall and can accommodate hundreds of visitors each day.
The Al-Aqsa Foundation for Endowment and Heritage says the move is a direct threat to the mosque.
The mosque compound, known to Jews as the Temple Mount, is Islam’s third-holiest site after Mecca and Medina in Saudi Arabia.
