Muslims, Arabs urged to support Jordan's efforts to safeguard Jerusalem

AMMAN — First Deputy Speaker of the Lower House Khamees Atiyeh on Wednesday stressed that no one will be allowed to "touch" the Hashemite custodianship of Jerusalem's holy sites.

The remarks came during the 13th session of the Parliamentary Union of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Member States held in Iran, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Headin the delegation, Atiyeh said that the Hashemite Custodianship of the holy places in Jerusalem enhance the steadfastness of Jerusalemites, calling on the Arab and Muslim countries to rally behind it.

He highlighted the importance of the meeting as the region is facing exceptional challenges.

He said that the Palestinian cause lies at the hearts of Arabs and Muslims, especially after the US President Donald Trump's illegal decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

The MP described the move as a "war against the international legitimacy, the international law and the UN and the crime of the century".

He said that "the US is biased towards Israel and is providing protection to the Zionist entity with the support it gave to the military occupation of Palestinian territories.

The lawmaker said that Trump's decision "resembled" Balfour Declaration of 1917.

However, the world has rejected the decision at the UN and considered it as "null and void", he added.