Jordan summons Israeli envoy over al-Quds protest attack

Jordan has summoned Israeli envoy, Daniel Nevo, after MPs unanimously demand the government to expel him over Israel’s detention of the Mufti of al-Quds (Jerusalem).

The Israeli ambassador was summoned on Wednesday by Jordan’s Interior Minister Hussein Majali, who is also acting foreign minister, Jordan’s official news agency Petra reported.

”These Israeli actions violate international law and obstruct peace efforts. As occupying force, Israel is responsible for preventing such provocations,” Majali said, adding that al-Aqsa is a red line.

He asked Nevo “to convey this message to his government in a very clear way.”

The development came after the 150-member lower house of parliament unanimously demanded that the government ask the Israeli ambassador to leave Jordan, and recall the Jordanian ambassador in Israel.

The MPs said they took the decision due to Israel’s recent aggression against al-Aqsa Mosque in East al-Quds as well as the detention of a top Muslim cleric.

Jordan’s Premier Abdalla Ensour has criticized Israel for its systematic deployment of special forces and setting up of military barracks around the holy site.

Ensour has vowed to demand the UN Security Council to hold an emergency meeting should Israel refuses to end its aggression.

Backed by Israeli forces, some 100 Israeli settlers entered al-Aqsa Mosque on Tuesday.

Clashes erupted between the Israeli settlers, soldiers and the Palestinians following the entry of the Israelis. Several Palestinians were reportedly injured, and several others were arrested.