Jordan condemns Jewish visits, clashes on Temple Mount

Jordan has condemned Jewish visits to Jerusalem’s Temple Mount and a clash between Israeli forces and Muslim rioters earlier Sunday as a “violation.”

Some 1,200 Jewish visitors ascended the Temple Mount on Sunday, in which Jews around the world marked Tisha B’av, a fast and day of mourning that commemorates the destruction of the first and second Jewish Temples.

Israeli forces also clashed with Muslims atop the mount who they said had been stockpiling firecrackers and boards to hurl at Jewish worshipers at the nearby Western Wall.

Police at the entrance to Al-Aqsa Mosque on July 26, 2015 after security forces clashed with dozens of masked protesters. (Jerusalem police)

“The violation of the sacredness of Haram al Sharif or holy sanctuary, and the assault against its guards and the worshipers are a violation of the feelings of all Arabs and Muslims and are designed to ignite further hostility,” Jordanian minister Mohammad Momani said, according to state-run media.

Momani blamed Israel for the violence and said it should work to prevent other disturbances.