LOC22:57
19:57 GMT
AMMAN, Aug 13 (KUNA) -- Jordan said Tuesday that it has lodged a formal complaint to Israel over comments by an Israeli minister in which he called for rescinding the status quo of Al-Aqsa Mosque.
The Jordanian Foreign Ministry's Spokesperson Sufian Al-Qudah said in a statement that Jordan categorically decries such remarks, cautioning against the bare consequences of any attempt to alter the historical and legal characteristics of the holy site.
He recalled that Israel, as an occupying power, must fulfill its obligations enshrined in international law and international humanitarian law, and must respect the status quo.
Calling for halting such attempts, the spokesman elaborated that the Foreign Ministry has sent a relevant memo of protest to Israel through diplomatic channels over the minister's recent comments.
Earlier in the day, Israeli Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan rdan said it is necessary to change the status quo of Al-Aqsa Mosque in a way that could allow Jews to pray there.
Jordan Sunday lodged a solemn representation with Israel over the latter's unyielding infringement of Al-Aqsa Mosque, calling on it to bear Muslim sentiments around the globe in mind.
Some 450 Jewish settlers stormed Al-Aqsa mosque on the first day of Eid Al-Adha right under the nose of Israeli troops that engaged in clashes with Palestinians inside the mosque.
However, the Arab League had sounded the alarm that Israeli Ultra-orthodox Jews could force their way into Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound during Eid Al-Adha on Sunday.
The Muslim religious body that manages Al-Aqsa Mosque on the Temple Mount in Jerusalem also called on all other mosques in the area to shut down on Sunday to boost attendance at the holy site in a bid to block Jews from going there.
Sunday marked the start of Eid Al-Adha, which attended the Jewish fast day of Tisha B'Av, when Jews mourn the destruction of the temples and other disasters in Jewish history.
Last year, a record number of Jews were reported to have visited the Temple Mount for Tisha B'Av, leading to rebukes from the Palestinian Authority and Jordan, which manages the compound through the Waqf. (end)
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