Ammon News - The Ministry of Awqaf, Islamic Affairs and Holy Places called for an immediate halt to Israeli violations and urged the reopening of the doors of the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque to worshippers, stressing the need to respect its sanctity and guarantee Muslims’ right to access the site and perform prayers and religious rituals without restriction or assault.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the ministry said it was closely and with deep concern following the Israeli authorities’ decision to close Al-Aqsa Mosque under the pretext of the ongoing developments in the region.

The ministry said the move represents a dangerous and unprecedented escalation, particularly during the last ten days of the holy month of Ramadan.

The statement stressed that the closure of Al-Aqsa Mosque constitutes a crime against the holy site and against Muslims around the world, as well as a clear violation of the sanctity of the sacred place and Muslims’ right to perform their religious duties there.

It reaffirmed that Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram Al-Sharif, with its entire area of 144 dunums, is a place of worship exclusively for Muslims and falls under the Hashemite custodianship.

The statement also noted that the Jerusalem Awqaf Department and Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs, affiliated with the Ministry of Awqaf, Islamic Affairs and Holy Places, is the sole authority responsible for administering Al-Aqsa Mosque, including all its facilities, courtyards and gates, as well as all Islamic endowments in Jerusalem.