A group of Jordanian lawmakers have demanded the expulsion of Israel’s ambassador, in protest against a recent surge in Israeli attacks against Palestinians in the al-Aqsa Mosque in East al-Quds (Jerusalem).
According to reports by Palestinian outlets, 45 Jordanian lawmakers signed a petition, calling on the government to expel the Israeli ambassador to Amman, Eynat Schlein.
They also urged the government to recall its ambassador to Israel, Walid Obeidat, and demanded that Amman reconsider its 1994 peace treaty with the Zionist regime
They noted that the barbaric attacks by Israeli forces and settlers against Palestinians not only threaten security in the region, but would also trigger the outrage of Muslims worldwide.
Israeli settlers and soldiers have stepped up their attacks against Palestinian worshipers, following the deployment of Israeli troops around al-Aqsa mosque for the Jewish Rosh Hashanah New Year Holiday.
The clashes have left dozens of Palestinians wounded and tens of others have been detained for taking part in protests against the attacks against worshipers in al-Aqsa Mosque. Tel Aviv has imposed restrictions on entry to the compound.
Earlier this week, Jordan’s King Abdullah called on Israel to avoid further provocations at the mosque, warning that it threatens ties between Tel Aviv and Amman.
Israeli Attorney General Yehuda Weinstein recently authorized the use of live fire by military forces, declaring “war against Palestinian stone-throwers and firebomb throwers” in the occupied Palestinian territories.
In response to the recent developments, Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Secretary General Saeb Erekat accused Israel of "enthusiastically" seeking to turn the "question of Palestine into a religious war."
The al-Aqsa Mosque is the third holiest site for Muslims after Masjid al-Haram in Mecca and Masjid al-Nabawi in Medina, Saudi Arabia. Its compound is also highly respected by Jews and Christians.