King tells Palestinians ‘we stand with you’, Jordan’s position ‘will not change’

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday reaffirmed Jordan’s unwavering position on the Palestinian cause and Jerusalem, and in defending the just and legitimate rights of the Palestinians and supporting the steadfastness of Jerusalemites.

His Majesty’s remarks came during a meeting with members of the Jerusalem Awqaf Council and Jerusalem Church Council, Jerusalemites and representatives of Arab Israelis, attended by HRH Crown Prince Hussein and held at Al Husseiniya Palace, a Royal Court statement said.

King Abdullah said Jordan’s position is clear and will not change, telling the attendees: “We stand with you in the face of challenges.”

During the meeting, attended by Their Royal Highnesses Prince Faisal and Prince Ghazi, His Majesty’s chief adviser for religious and cultural affairs and personal envoy, His Majesty expressed his best wishes to the attendees on the occasion of Eid Al Fitr.

The King voiced appreciation for King Mohammed VI of Morocco for his support for Jerusalem, commending the level of coordination between the two countries in this regard, according to the statement.

His Majesty also commended Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and highlighted the excellent coordination between the Jordanian and Palestinian sides.

The King stressed the need to maintain coordination between mosques and churches, and among churches, to counter challenges.

For their part, the attendees thanked His Majesty for his positions in defence of Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem and in supporting the Palestinians as they seek their just and legitimate rights.

They stressed their commitment to the Hashemite Custodianship of Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, noting its importance in safeguarding these holy places, the statement said.

Jerusalem Awqaf Council President Abdul Azim Salhab commended the King’s efforts to counter violations targeting Jerusalem geographically and demographically, underscoring His Majesty’s role in safeguarding the Islamic and Arab narrative against distortions.

Jerusalem Awqaf Director Mohammad Azzam Khatib Tamimi highlighted the King’s efforts in safeguarding Al Aqsa Mosque and the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, as well as other holy sites.

Despite all the difficulties, he voiced confidence in His Majesty’s firm position in defence of Jerusalem and its holy sites, in line with his Hashemite heritage, highlighting a number of Hashemite restoration projects in Al Aqsa Mosque, in addition to training courses provided for the Awqaf Department’s cadres by Jordanian institutions such as the Civil Defence Depatment and the Public Security Depatment, the statement added.

In remarks by Patriarch Theophilos III, Patriarch of the Holy City and all Jordan and Palestine, delivered on his behalf by Archbishop Christoforos Atallah, Greek Orthodox Archbishop of Jordan, the Patriarch noted the importance of having the Jerusalem Awqaf and church councils meet in Jordan.

Patriarch Theophilos III voiced confidence in the King’s clear stance on the need for a just and comprehensive solution for the Palestinian cause and Jerusalem, and the importance of establishing an independent Palestinian state on Palestinian national soil with East Jerusalem as its capital.

The Patriarch acknowledged the immense pressures Jordan is under for its honourable national positions, stressing that all are united and committed to supporting His Majesty’s leadership to overcome this difficult phase.

The King’s policies are a continuation of the Pact of Omar, the Great Arab Revolt and the practice of Hashemites throughout history, Patriarch Theophilos III said, noting His Majesty’s efforts to promote harmony, coexistence and peace, according to the Royal Court.

The Patriarch said the Church denounces those claiming to be Christian and calling for “legitimising the Jewish entity”.

He thanked the King for his “generous donation for the Church of the Holy Sepulchre” to help implement needed renovations.

Chief Islamic Justice of Palestine and Adviser to the Palestinian President for Religious Affairs Mahmoud Habbash conveyed President Abbas’ greetings to His Majesty and noted the deep Jordanian-Palestinian ties, as well as the high-level coordination between the King and President Abbas in safeguarding holy sites, the statement added.

In Jerusalem, Habbash said His Majesty’s name is connected to the Hashemite Custodianship, stressing that Jordan is the first defender of the Palestinian cause.

Head of the High Follow-Up Committee for Palestinian Citizens of Israel Mohammed Baraka thanked the King for the Royal Makrumas to support Arab Israelis in providing scholarships, facilitating Umra and Hajj, and offering economic support.

Baraka described Jordan as Arab Israelis’ gateway into the Arab world and towards other components of the Palestinian people.

He also stressed the importance of the Hashemite Custodianship as a shield to safeguard Jerusalem’s identity and history, expressing rejection of Israeli measures to Judaise the city.

Baraka said the recent assault on worshippers and encroachment on Al Haram Al Sharif by settlers in the last days of Ramadan reflect the Israeli government’s disrespect for the sanctity of the city, freedom of worship, and international law and agreements.

His Majesty hosted an iftar in honour of the members of the Jerusalem Awqaf Council and Jerusalem Church Council, Jerusalemites and representatives of Arab Israelis.

Royal Hashemite Court Chief Yousef Issawi, Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Adviser to His Majesty for Communication and Coordination Bisher Khasawneh, Adviser to His Majesty for Policies and Media Kamal Al Nasser, Awqaf Minister Abdul Nasser Abul Bassal, Chief Islamic Justice Abdul Karim Khasawneh, Grand Mufti Mohammad Khalaileh and Royal Hashemite Court Imam Ghaleb Rababah attended the meeting.