Ammon News - AMMONNEWS - Minister of State for Media Affairs and Communications Mohammed Al-Momani on Monday said that Jordan, in coordination with the State of Palestine, will adopt the necessary measures to safeguard Islamic and Christian sites in the holy city of Jerusalem and defend Muslim worshippers in Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Intensive efforts and consultations led by the Jordanian diplomacy are being conducted to emphasize the Kingdom's firm stance against Israeli violations in Al-Aqsa Mosque, he said, adding that under the directives of the Prime Minister, the Minister of Foreign Affairs has instructed the Embassy of Jordan in Israel to take steps to ensure the safety of Al-Aqsa Mosque and the protection of the worshippers therein.

Al-Momani, who is also the government spokesperson, explained that intense discussion with the State of Palestine is underway to study some practical measures that will ensure the protection of Palestinians in Jerusalem, deter and prevent Israel from implementing its rejected plan to divide the Al-Aqsa Mosque and halt the Israeli soldiers' continued attacks against Palestinian worshippers.

"These steps will be taken with the support of the Arab League and the Organization of the Islamic Cooperation as well as a number of European Union countries," the official added.

Al-Momani renewed calls to the world's pro-peace and justice states to further concentrate their efforts to protect the identity of the holy city, preserve its authenticity and heritage and to express their clear position regarding the recent Israeli violations against Al-Aqsa Mosque, which he said is being exposed to the worst forms of daily attacks by the Israeli occupying forces.

The minister also stressed Jordan's harsh condemnation of the Israeli government's protection of and strong support for hundreds of Jewish extremist settlers who routinely stormed Al-Aqsa Mosque provoking the Muslim worshippers therein.

The government spokesman also expressed his country's rejection of Israeli measures banning Islamic endowment staff from entering the mosque, adding that this was a flagrant violation of the peace agreement between Israel and Jordan and a clear violation of international laws and conventions of the de facto heritage of the Old City of Jerusalem.

The Israeli army yesterday smashed a number of Al-Aqsa Mosque's doors and removed a number of its windows before spraying pepper gas on the worshippers inside the mosque, resulting in serious injuries to dozens of them.

*Petra