JERUSALEM (JTA) — Jordan summoned Israel’s ambassador to its Foreign Ministry over concerns about alleged restrictions on Muslim worship on the Temple Mount.
Daniel Nevo was summoned Wednesday over the alleged restrictions, as well as alleged Israeli desecration of holy sites in Jerusalem.
The interview came after the Jordanian parliament voted unanimously on Wednesday to call on the government to expel Nevo and recall the Jordanian ambassador to Tel Aviv. The decision is not binding on the government.
With tens of thousands of Israelis visiting the Old City of Jerusalem to mark Jerusalem Day and participate in the annual dance of the flags, access to the Temple Mount was restricted on Wednesday to Palestinians aged 50 and above.
The day before, Palestinian worshipers at the Al-Aksa Mosque on the Temple Mount threw chairs and rocks at Jewish visitors to the site, which also is holy to Jews. Jews are allowed to visit there but are prohibited from praying.
Jordanian Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour said following a Cabinet meeting that the Jordanian government “was deeply concerned about the Israeli violations against Al-Aksa Mosque” and accused Israelis of “evil, systemized and pre-planned schemes” in the area,” the Times of Israel reported, citing Jordan’s Petra news agency.
Ensour ordered the Jordanian ambassador to Tel Aviv to file an official objection with the Israeli government.
Israeli President Shimon Peres addressed Jordan’s actions during his speech at Wednesday’s state ceremony at Ammunition Hill to mark the unification of Jerusalem and in memory of the soldiers who fell in the battle for the city.
“Jerusalem is dear to us. Peace with Jordan is dear to us,” Peres said. ” I want to say loudly and clearly that we respect all the holy sites of all religions and will do everything necessary to protect them as agreed between us.”
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