Jordan moves to expel Israel’s ambassador following incidents in Jerusalem’s al-Aksa mosque

AMMAN - Anatolia News Agency

sraeli police officers detain a Palestinian who protested in front of the Damascus Gate outside Jerusalem's Old City during a parade marking Jerusalem Day May 8. There were confrontations on May 8 between Muslims and Jews outside Jerusalem's walled Old City, where al Aqsa mosque is located. Police arrested 10 Palestinians, police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said. AFP photo

The Jordanian Parliament voted unanimously on May 8 to ask the government to expel Israel’s ambassador to Jordan, Daniel Nevo, in protest at what the members of parliament say are Israeli violations during incidents at the Masjid al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem. 

Earlier on May 8 Israeli soldiers prevented Palestinians from going into Masjid al-Aqsa on the occasion of the “Jerusalem Day." Five Palestinians were wounded due to clashes and those who were barred from entering the mosque held a protest by performing noon prayer at the entrance gates.

Members of the Jordanian Parliament described the incidents as “Israeli violations.” Jordan’s Prime Minister Abdullah al-Nasour said that the government was discussing retaliation for what he called “Israel’s evil plans.”

“The cabinet is looking into what Israel has done in Masjid al-Aqsa. As a first step, we will ask our ambassador Walid Abidat to send a letter of protest to the Israeli government,” al-Nasour said, adding that if the issue was not resolved, they would consider appealing to the United Nations Security Council.

The decision of the parliament is constitutionally non-binding until ratified by King Abdullah II.

Jerusalem Day marks the anniversary of Israel's capture of the Eastern part of the city during the 1967 Middle East War.