King stresses need for Israel to cease provocative measures in Al Aqsa Mosque

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Sunday reaffirmed the need for Israel to respect the historical and legal status quo at Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif, and cease all illegal and provocative measures that violate it and could push towards further escalation.

Chairing a meeting on the latest developments in Jerusalem via telepresence, King Abdullah directed the government to continue its regional and international efforts and communications to stop Israeli escalations, and to lobby for an active international position that exerts pressure on Israel, according to a Royal Court statement.

His Majesty stressed that maintaining calm requires Israel to respect the historical and legal status quo in Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif, and to create political horizons that fulfil all the just rights of the Palestinian people, on the basis of the two-state solution.

The King reiterated that protecting Jerusalem and its holy sites will remain a priority for Jordan, directing the government to dedicate all capacities to safeguard these sites, as well as the historical and legal status quo in the holy city and its Arab, Islamic and Christian identity.

Prime Minister Bisher Khasawneh, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Director of the Office of His Majesty Jafar Hassan, and General Intelligence Department Director Maj. Gen. Ahmad Husni attended the meeting.