King Abdullah II of Jordan issued a statement on Monday regarding recent Israeli violations at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in occupied East Jerusalem, that Israeli raids of the Muslim holy compound were “an attempt to impose a new reality, Judaize the identity of the mosque, and change history.”
In an interview with Jordanian newspaper, al-Dustour, the King said, “We will always perform our Islamic and historic responsibility towards Al-Aqsa Mosque, which is being raided continuously by Israeli extremists.”
King Abdullah added that, “The Palestinian cause is the first priority and a supreme national interest,” emphasizing that allowing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict to escalate was weakening the chances of establishing a two-state solution.
King Abdullah II of Jordan: “The Al-Aqsa mosque compound will not endure any partition or partnership” https://t.co/3Ope1AYiq6“
— Marian Houk (@Marianhouk) August 15, 2016
While Jewish visitation is permitted to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, non-Muslim worship is prohibited, according to an agreement signed between Israel and the Jordanian government after Israel’s illegal occupation of East Jerusalem in 1967.
Despite this agreement, Israeli authorities regularly allow Jewish visitors to enter the site, often under the protection of armed guards.
At least 18 Palestinians, including a minor, sustained injuries at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound on Sunday when clashes erupted between Palestinians and Israeli forces escorting hundreds of worshipers commemorating the Jewish day on which Jews believe the First and Second Temples were destroyed.
(MA’AN, PC)
