Jordan to convene emergency meeting of Arab foreign ministers over 'Israeli takeover' of Temple Mount
Jordan will convene an emergency meeting of foreign ministers from Arab and Islamic countries tomorrow, against what it defines as an "immediate threat" of Israeli takeover of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and the Dome of the Rock. The convening follows visits by religious right-wing activists, led by Minister Ben Gvir, which Jordan says violate the status quo. Jordanian Foreign Minister A-Safadi warned of a broad religious conflict.
Jordan will convene an emergency meeting of foreign ministers from Arab and Islamic countries tomorrow (Wednesday), against what it defines as an "immediate threat" of Israeli takeover of the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem. In Amman, they warned that such a development could ignite a broad religious conflict. The convening comes after a series of visits to the compound by Jewish religious right-wing activists, which Jordan says receive government backing and constitute a violation of the status quo at the site. According to the arrangement, supervised by the Hashemite Kingdom, only Muslims are allowed to pray at the compound. The British "Guardian" reported that on July 23, more than 2,000 religious right-wing activists, mostly settlers, entered the Temple Mount, led by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir. According to Jordanian sources, participants held prayers and ceremonies throughout the compound, in what was described as the most severe violation of the status quo in modern times. The Guardian also reported that Jordan expressed concern over a recent recruitment drive among "religious Jews for a special police unit on the Temple Mount." "This is an ongoing and dangerous threat that we are trying to curb with all available means," said Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman A-Safadi to the Guardian. "We warn that harming the status quo could ignite a religious conflict that would resonate beyond Palestine and Jordan, across the Muslim world." A-Safadi, who will host the emergency meeting on Wednesday with foreign ministers from Arab League states, as well as Turkey, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Pakistan, said that "the entire international community should be aware of this. Jerusalem is a powder keg." According to him, Jordan is trying to illustrate the danger, is working on the legal front, and seeks to raise awareness of the "immediate threat of continued Israeli steps."