Jordan accuses Israel of trying to ‘fabricate the facts’ on Al-Aqsa standoff

Jordan rejects Israel’s demand to evacuate Palestinians who have barricaded themselves in the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem’s Temple Mount, accusing Jerusalem of trying to “fabricate the facts” regarding the issue.

Israel says the Palestinians intend to attack Jews visiting the holy site in the morning, as well as masses expected to show up for the traditional Priestly Blessing prayer for Passover at the adjacent Western Wall.

Jordanian media cites a senior official saying the Israeli demand is an attempt to “put the responsibility on the Waqf for the dangerous escalation stemming from Israel’s attacks on worshipers.”

The unnamed official says Amman has refused to accept Israeli messages conveyed through mediators, adding that it will accept direct messages from Jerusalem if they include promises to “stop violating the status quo, stop the attacks on worshipers and cancel the restrictions on freedom of worship.”