Armed Israeli forces attack worshipers in Jerusalem’s al-Aqsa mosque

Jordan’s foreign ministry condemns Israeli police attacks on worshipers at al-Aqsa mosque, considering it a violation of Israel’s commitments as the occupying power based on international law.

JERUSALEM, Jan 7, 2020 (WAFA) — Israeli forces today evening attacked worshipers at Bab al-Rahma, also known as the Golden Gate, and at Bab al-Hatta Gate, inside the al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem’s Old City.

Witnesses told WAFA Israeli forces attacked worshipers at Bab al-Rahma gate and detained six people, including a female, who were there for Isha prayer; the night-time daily prayer. Forces also attacked worshipers at Bab al-Hatta gate and prevented them from entering the mosque.

Jordan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates condemned today evening the Israeli police attacks on worshipers inside al-Aqsa mosque compound, Islam’s third holiest site.

The ministry’s spokesperson, Ambassador Daifallah al-Fayez, rejected and condemned in a statement the Israeli attack on worshipers, considering it a violation of Israel’s commitments as the occupying power based on international law.

He called on the Israeli authorities to respect the sanctity of the mosque and the freedom and safety of worshipers.

The minister also denounced the Israeli authorities’ erection of wooden poles and metal structures at the southern wall of the mosque, which he stressed is an integral part of the mosque, calling on the Israeli authorities to immediately remove them.

He said that the Islamic Jerusalem Waqf is the sole institution responsible for administrating the affairs of al-Aqsa Mosque, including maintenance of the inside and outside walls of the mosque.

The minister warned against the consequences of continuing Israeli violations against the mosque and worshipers, calling on the Israeli authorities to stop such violations and to respect the historical and legal status quo of the al-Aqsa mosque.