Jordanians protest Israeli closure of Al Aqsa compound

Jordan

Published: 2017-07-16 12:05

Last Updated: 2024-03-27 21:05


Jordanian hold mass protests against closure of Al Aqsa compound.
Jordanian hold mass protests against closure of Al Aqsa compound.

Hundreds of Jordanians protested on Saturday across the Kingdom in condemnation of the on-going closure of the Al Aqsa mosque compound by Israeli authorities.

Activists and political parties reportedly held sit ins in Amman throughout the day and in Al Zarqa, Irbid, Madaba and Al Tafila following Al Magrib prayers. Protestors held signs reading, "I'm Jordanian, Al-Aqsa is my responsibility," among other slogans. 

The compound has been shuttered by Israeli police since three Palestinian assailants shot and killed two Israeli policemen in Jerusalem's Old City on Friday morning. The attackers were subsequently shot dead by Israeli forces inside the compound.

This is the first time Friday prayers at the site cancelled in decades, with the last complete closure of the compound taking place in 1969.

Minister for Media Affairs and Government Spokesperson Mohammad Momani on Friday condemned the attack on Palestinians and the closure of the mosque.

Jordan is the custodian of the Al-Aqsa mosque compound and has repeatedly condemned Israel for violations of rules at Islam's third holiest site.

In the wake of this latest incident, the Kingdom has called for the reopening of the mosque, and emphasised the government’s intent to its diplomatic, legal and political tools to deal with any attempts to change the legal and historical status of Jerusalem, Momani said.