Jordan Criticizes Israeli Actions at Al-Aqsa Mosque

Amman: The Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Mohammad Khalaileh condemned the Al-Aqsa Mosque incursion on Thursday by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir under a heavily armed police escort.

According to Jordan News Agency, the raid, coinciding with the occasion of the so-called "destruction" of the alleged Temple, drew unprecedented numbers of Israeli extremists following calls from radical temple groups. Khalaileh rejected the intrusions as explicit violations of international law, human rights norms, and the sanctity of holy sites. He held Israel, as the occupying power, fully responsible for the safety of the compound, its staff, guards, and worshippers.

Khalaileh warned that continued violations threaten to fuel regional violence and demanded an immediate end to actions that disrespect the feelings of millions of Muslims worldwide. He emphasized that the entire 144-dunam Aqsa compound is an exclusively Muslim house of worship, "undividable and non-negotiable." Khalaileh stated that, under the Hashemite Custodianship, Jordan's Awqaf Department remains the only entity authorized to administer Jerusalem's sacred sites.