Jordan Sounds Alarm Over Al-Aqsa Mosque
Jordan has taken decisive action to address rising tensions in Jerusalem by calling for an emergency meeting among foreign ministers from Arab and Islamic nations. The summit aims to address what the country says is an immediate risk of an Israeli takeover of the al-Aqsa mosque compound. For Muslims, the site is sacred and lies at the heart of Jerusalem, but any attempt to control it could unleash a major religious conflict, according to Jordanian officials.
The emergency meeting set for Wednesday underscores Jordan's deep concerns. Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi has warned that the ongoing tensions could lead to a conflict that extends well beyond the borders of Palestine and Jordan. He emphasized that the instability could spread to the broader Muslim world, with serious global repercussions.
Recent weeks have seen increased hostility at the site. On July 23, more than 2,000 Israelis, many from the religious right wing, stormed the Temple Mount. These incursions, often led by figures like National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, have drawn sharp condemnation. During this event, participants engaged in prayers and rituals, which Jordanian authorities described as the most serious violation of the site’s established rules in modern times.
History and Custodianship of the Site
Jordan has long held responsibility for overseeing the al-Aqsa mosque and its surrounding holy sites. The arrangement dates back to the Ottoman period and was formalized in the Treaty of Berlin in 1878. Over the decades, the Hashemite monarchy extended its oversight to include Christian holy locations. The 1994 peace treaty between Israel and Jordan further solidified Jordan's role as the custodian of the site.
Throughout history, incursions by Jewish extremists have repeatedly led to violence. A notable example is the 2000 visit to the site by Ariel Sharon, who was then an influential right-wing leader and soon to become prime minister. That visit ignited the second intifada, a brutal conflict that lasted over four years and resulted in massive casualties on both sides.
Jordan is especially worried as major Jewish holidays, scheduled for September, approach. The holidays could present an opportunity for further challenges to Jordan’s custodianship. Officials are concerned about what actions the Israeli government might take in the next few months, particularly as the country moves closer to its October elections. There are fears of irreversible changes to the region's landscape.
According to Safadi, one of the most dire scenarios is the possible mass deportation of Palestinians from the West Bank. This would be a major violation of international law and could destabilize Jordan in several ways. Economically, politically, and demographically, such an event could have devastating effects. Over half of Jordan's population of 11.5 million is composed of descendants of Palestinian refugees, which adds another layer of complexity to the situation.
Jordan also faces growing concerns about water scarcity. Israel has reduced the amount of water provided to Jordan from 100 million cubic meters under a 2021 agreement to just 50 million. This cut, which is far below what Jordan requires to support its growing population, was reportedly made in retaliation for Amman's criticism of Israel’s actions in the Gaza war. There are suggestions that the supply might return to the original amount if Jordanian criticism ceases.