AMMAN — Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh on Friday said Jordan is exerting every possible effort to counter Israeli attacks and measures targeting East Jerusalem, its people, heritage and holy sites.
The minister made his remarks as he headed Jordan’s delegation to the Marrakech-hosted 20th meeting of the Jerusalem Committee affiliated with the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. The gathering was chaired by Moroccan King Mohammad VI, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.
He added that Jordan holds daily contact with all international influential stakeholders to halt Israel’s violations and highlight the dangerous political ramifications of their attacks on holy sites, which provoke hundreds of millions of Muslims and Christians worldwide.
“Jordan will not spare any effort to take all available measures to defend the occupied East Jerusalem, its people and sacred sites,” Judeh stressed, noting that the Kingdom is working to expose Israeli’s attacks against Al Haram Al Sharif, or noble sanctuary, in the international arena, including UNESCO.
Citing Israel’s plans to alter the Arabic and Muslim identity of Jerusalem, Judeh said Israeli authorities are carrying out systematic destruction of Islamic sites, such as the excavations under Al Aqsa Mosque and inside Al Haram Al Sharif compound.
He reiterated the Hashemites’ commitment to continuing their role as custodians of the old city’s holy sites, stressing Jordan’s support of the ongoing US-brokered peace talks between the Palestinians and Israel.
The minister voiced hope that the negotiations would lead to implementing the two-state solution and the establishment of an independent and sovereign Palestinian state within the 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital and according to the agreed-on terms of references.
During the session, the Moroccan king and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas delivered speeches that focused on ways to stand up against the frequent Israeli violations and attacks on holy sites in Jerusalem, according to Petra.
