Authorities ban anti-Israel rally in Jordan

Jordanian authorities have outlawed a rally which the country's Islamic groups were to stage in protest at the Israeli troops' breaking into the al-Aqsa Mosque earlier this week.

"The Amman Governor Samir Mobaydeen has rejected a request by Islamic leaders to organize the demonstration in downtown Amman after Friday prayers to condemn the desecration of al-Aqsa Mosque," the Islamic Action Front (IAF) said in a statement.

Clashes erupted early Sunday between Palestinians in the eastern part of al-Quds and the Israeli police as a group of Jewish radicals broke into the yard of al-Aqsa Mosque. About 16 Palestinians and several Israeli police were injured in the clashes, according to media reports.

Demonstrators in Amman on Monday set the Israeli flag on fire and called on the government officials to sever diplomatic relations with Tel Aviv in reaction to Israeli soldiers' breaking into the Muslim sacred shrine.

Dozens of trade unionists and politicians meanwhile staged a sit-in in front of the headquarters of Jordan's Professional Association Council. Protesters held banners reading, "Our blood is shed for you, our souls are sacrificed for your sanctity. We swear to you, Aqsa, that we will never forget you".

Muslims consider the trespass into the al-Aqsa Mosque yard as part of a Judaization campaign that targets the holy city of al-Quds and a provocation of Muslim feelings.