AMMAN, Tuesday, July 23, 2019 (WAFA) - Jordan has denied claims by Israeli media about an agreement between Israel and Jordan to close Bab al-Rahma prayer area at Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque for six months.

Israel Channel 12 quoted an Israeli source as saying that the crisis with Jordan over Bab al-Rahma was on the way to a solution, and that there was a plan to avoid a deterioration of relations with Jordan.

The Jordanian news agency, Petra, quoted an official source denying as not true the Israeli press allegations regarding Bab al-Rahma.

"There is no basis to these allegations,” said the source. “Jordan‘s firm position is that Bab al-Rahma is an integral part of Al-Aqsa Mosque, and anything that applies to Al-Aqsa Mosque applies to it as well. We reject any attempt to change the historical and legal statues in the holy places."

He stressed that the door to Bab al-Rahma building must be restored and returned to what it was on before it was closed by the Israeli authorities in March 2003, stressing the need to respect the Islamic Waqf department’s exclusive authority in the management of all the affairs of Al-Aqsa Mosque.

According to the Israeli channel, the agreement was reached between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and security officials.

It said that a meeting was held last Sunday during which an agreement was reached to avoid differences with Jordan over Al-Aqsa Mosque and Bab al-Rahma.

Under the plan, it was decided to close Bab al-Rahma building for a period of six months, during which extensive restoration work will take place as requested by Jordan after which Israel will agree to reopen it.

M.K.