Jordan condemns Israel over attacks on worshippers in Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa mosque

Jordan on Sunday condemned Israel over attacks on worshippers at the Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem, calling them “barbaric,” Reuters reported.

More than 200 people were injured at the mosque Friday night when Israeli police clashed with Palestinians after evening prayers. Another 100 people, all Palestinians, were injured in clashes Saturday night, CNN reported.

Jordan’s King Adubullah said Israel’s actions in Jerusalem, which three religions claims as holy, are an escalation and demanded Israel end “dangerous provocations”. The monarch is also accusing Israel of trying to change the demographic status of the city, where there are multiple religious sites, according to Reuters. 

Jordan has custodianship of Muslim and Christian sites in Jerusalem.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his country was trying to protect the right to worship and wouldn’t let rioting happen at the Al-Aqsa mosque, according to Reuters. 

Jordan Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said on state TV that Israel has a responsibility to protect Palestinians.

“Israel as the occupying force carries responsibility for protecting rights of Palestinians in their homes,” Safadi said in comments on state media.

Israeli police have been clashing with Palestinians during the holy month of Ramadan.

Jordan protesters are already calling for expulsion of the Israeli ambassador to the country and scraping their peace treaty with Israel, according to Reuters.

The State Department said Friday it is “extremely concerned” by the clashes.

“We call on Israeli and Palestinian officials to act decisively to deescalate tensions and bring a halt to the violence,” State Department spokesman Ned Price said.