Jordan warns of "immediate threat" to important Muslim religious site: "Jerusalem is a powder keg"

Jordan has issued a stern warning over an "imminent threat" to one of Islam's holiest sites, declaring Jerusalem a "powder keg" amid escalating tensions surrounding Israel's increasing control over the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in East Jerusalem. The country has summoned an emergency meeting of foreign ministers from Arab and Islamic nations, citing what it describes as a direct challenge to long-standing agreements regarding religious access to the site. This move comes after repeated Israeli right-wing activists and settlers have entered the area, which is considered sacred by Muslims and known to Jews as the Temple Mount. The immediate cause for concern is the growing frequency with which Israeli far-right groups and settlers have accessed the Al-Aqsa complex and the Dome of the Rock, areas where, under existing understandings, prayers are exclusively performed by Muslims. Jordan, recognized as the official custodian of Islamic holy sites in Jerusalem, claims these actions violate decades-old agreements. According to reports, more than 2,000 Israeli right-wingers, led by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, entered the area on July 23 and conducted prayers and religious rituals, which Jordanian authorities describe as the most severe breach of the status quo in modern history. Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi warned that any unilateral changes to the current regime could trigger a serious regional crisis. In a statement, he emphasized that Jerusalem is a volatile situation, adding that Jordan continues to alert the international community to the danger while taking all legal and diplomatic measures to prevent further escalation. The government has also expressed concerns about potential worsening conditions in the occupied West Bank, fearing that Israel might intensify pressure on Palestinians ahead of upcoming parliamentary elections or even attempt mass displacement toward Jordan, which the government views as a red line. Relations between Jordan and Israel have been further strained due to disputes over water supply. Jordan alleges that Israel has reduced water deliveries following criticism from Amman regarding Israeli military operations in Gaza, exacerbating tensions between the two neighboring countries. These issues have fueled growing dissent within Jordan against normalization efforts with Israel, with some politicians and members of the public calling for stronger responses to developments in Jerusalem and Palestinian territories. The situation has drawn attention from the broader Muslim world, with many expressing solidarity with Jordan’s stance. Religious leaders have reiterated the importance of maintaining the status quo to avoid conflict, emphasizing that any disruption could lead to wider unrest. Meanwhile, international observers have called for calm and dialogue, urging both sides to refrain from actions that could inflame tensions. In response to Jordan’s warnings, Israeli officials have defended their actions, stating that they are exercising their rights in accordance with international law. They argue that the presence of Jewish citizens in Jerusalem is legitimate and that the status quo should reflect the realities of the region. However, this position has been met with resistance from Arab and Islamic nations, who view such moves as provocative and destabilizing. As the situation unfolds, Jordan continues to monitor developments closely and has pledged to take further steps if necessary to protect its interests and maintain stability in the region. The coming weeks will likely see increased diplomatic activity and heightened vigilance from all parties involved, with the potential for further escalation depending on how each side responds to the current challenges.