Jordan rejects Israeli court's decision to close Jerusalem holy site

AMMAN, March 17 (Xinhua) -- Jordan on Sunday voiced its rejection of an Israeli court decision to close Bab Al-Rahma (Gate of Mercy) prayer area, in the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, in the Old City of East JerusAlem.

Jordan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs said East JerusAlem, including Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, is part of the PAlestinian territories occupied in 1967 and in line with the internationAl laws they do not fAll under the jurisdiction of the Israeli judiciary.

The ministry said in a statement that the gate is an integrAl part of Al-Aqsa Mosque and that the Islamic Endowment (Waqf) Department is the sole entity in charge of running the mosque's affairs in line with internationAl laws.

The Bab Al-Rahma Gate is a big building that lays to the east of the Al-Aqsa.

The ministry cAlled on Israel to go back on its decision, holding it responsible for the serious consequences and rejecting All attempts to Alter the status quo.