Reason needs to prevail

The UN Security Council is scheduled to hold an emergency meeting on the fast-deteriorating situation in East Jerusalem as a result of Israel’s grave violations of the legal and historical status of the holy places there, especially of Al Aqsa Mosque.

The site has been the scene of protests by Palestinians, who reject all interference by Israel and constrictions on worshippers.

It is now reported that Israel is contemplating rescinding its decision to place metal detectors at the entrances to the mosque; this would be a major Israeli turnabout if it actually happens.

International reactions to Israeli violation of the sanctity of the mosque were, to a great extent, the result of Jordan’s initiatives to counter these Israeli abuses.

His Majesty King Abdullah has spared no effort, right from the outset, to convince Israel that its attempts to change the status quo in East Jerusalem should be stopped and revoked.

The King is the custodian of the holy places in East Jerusalem, a role long recognised by the international community, endorsed by the Arab and Muslim peoples on whose behalf the King plays this special role, and by the Jordan-Israel peace treaty of 1994.

Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi has also exerted all diplomatic efforts to restore calm and normalcy at Al Aqsa Mosque, and remove all obstacles in the face of worshippers.

Safadi has been in touch with many Arab foreign ministers and in close contact with PLO chief negotiator Saeb Erekat, coordinating Jordanian and Palestinian Authority efforts to end the crisis in East Jerusalem.

Hopefully Israel will listen to reason and stop its provocative actions of the past few days before tension between the two sides gets out of control and becomes a deadly conflict.