King hosts iftar for Jerusalemite figures

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday hosted an iftar for awqaf and church leaders from Jerusalem.

Speaking at the iftar, attended by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Hussein, King Abdullah expressed support for the steadfastness of Jerusalemites and their efforts to preserve the holy city’s identity, as well as its Islamic and Christian holy sites. 

His Majesty stressed the need for efforts to prevent a repeat of the violations against Islamic and Christian holy sites, or against Jerusalemites, according to a Royal Court statement. 

The King noted Arab leaders’ stances in stepping up efforts to cease the latest escalations in the Palestinian territories and Jerusalem, and supporting the Palestinian people.

His Majesty said Jordan is working with all regional and international partners to end violations in Jerusalem and Al Haram Al Sharif.

The King stressed the historical and religious responsibility of safeguarding Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, under the Hashemite Custodianship, as well as protecting the rights of Muslim and Christian worshippers.

His Majesty also expressed best wishes to Christians on the occasion of Easter.

For their part, the attendees briefed the King on the latest developments in Jerusalem, including the violations that have been taking place during Ramadan in Al Aqsa Mosque and the restrictions that affected the marking of Christian occasions.

They also expressed appreciation for His Majesty’s steadfast position in support of the Palestinian people and the rights of Muslim and Christian worshippers in Jerusalem.

They highlighted the important role of the Hashemite Custodianship in safeguarding Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.