Jordan condemns Israeli settlers' storming of hotel in Jerusalem

AMMAN — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday condemned the act of a group of Israeli settlers who broke into the Petra Hotel owned by the Greek Orthodox Patriarchate in occupied East Jerusalem.

The ministry demanded that the settlers immediately evacuate the Petra Hotel, located in the Old City of occupied Jerusalem, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Ministry Spokesperson Haitham Abu Al Foul voiced the Kingdom’s utter rejection of all moves aimed to change the historical and legal status quo in East Jerusalem, including the Muslim and Christian properties and endowments, and affirmed the Kingdom's support for Jerusalemites and the Orthodox Church against settlers' attacks.

The spokesperson held the Israeli government responsible for the settlers' continued attacks.

He also stressed that Jordan, based on the historical Hashemite custodianship of Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, will continue to take all possible steps to enhance the steadfastness of the Palestinians, protect holy sites, and preserve the historical status of Jerusalem and its sanctities as a key to peace and a symbol of tolerance and harmony.