Amanze Chinonye
The government of Jordan has strongly condemned a visit by Israel’s National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem, describing the move as a “blatant violation” of international law and a dangerous escalation at one of the world’s most sensitive religious sites.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, spokesperson Ambassador Dr. Sufyan Al-Majali said the minister’s entry into the compound under Israeli police protection amounted to a desecration of the site’s sanctity and a breach of Israel’s obligations as an occupying power in East Jerusalem.
Al-Majali reiterated Jordan’s “absolute rejection” of the action, warning that such moves risk undermining the long-standing historical and legal status quo governing the site.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelHe also raised concerns about what he described as attempts to impose a “temporal and spatial division” at the compound, stressing that Israel has no sovereignty over occupied Jerusalem or its Islamic and Christian holy sites.
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The Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, revered as Islam’s third-holiest site, sits at the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and holds deep religious significance for Muslims worldwide.
The site is administered by the Jerusalem Islamic Waqf under Jordan’s custodianship, a role formally recognised following Israel’s capture of East Jerusalem in the Six-Day War.
Under the decades-old status quo arrangement, Muslims are permitted to pray at the mosque, while non-Muslims may visit under specific conditions but are generally barred from prayer.
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Ben-Gvir’s visit is widely seen as part of a broader pattern of political signalling by the far-right minister, who has repeatedly advocated greater Israeli control over the site and challenged restrictions on Jewish prayer there. His previous appearances at the compound have drawn international criticism and, at times, coincided with heightened tensions and clashes.
Jordan also condemned what it described as ongoing restrictions on worshippers, including the closure of gates and limitations on access to the mosque. Al-Majali said such measures violate international humanitarian law, including obligations under the Fourth Geneva Convention, and infringe on freedom of worship.
The spokesperson reaffirmed that the entire Al-Aqsa compound, spanning 144 dunams, is a place of exclusive Muslim worship and that the Waqf authority remains the only body with legal jurisdiction over its administration and access.
The latest development comes amid heightened regional tensions, with observers warning that repeated high-profile visits to the compound risk further inflaming an already volatile situation.
The site has historically served as a flashpoint, including during the 2021 Israel–Palestine crisis, when confrontations at the mosque helped trigger a broader escalation of violence.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
