Arab media ministers agree to support Jordan as custodian of Jerusalem’s holy sites

CAIRO — Arab media ministers on Thursday agreed to support Jordan’s efforts in safeguarding Jerusalem and the city’s Islamic and Christian sites.

In a decision issued at the 45th session of the Arab Media Ministers’ Council, they agreed to assist Jordan as the custodian of Islamic and Christian sites in Jerusalem — a role confirmed in an agreement signed in 2013 between His Majesty King Abdullah and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. 

The agreement stipulates that King Abdullah has the “full right to exert all legal efforts” to safeguard and preserve Jerusalem’s holy sites, especially Al Aqsa Mosque, defined as the entire Al Haram Al Sharif compound (or the noble sanctuary, whose area is estimated at 144 dunums).

The council issued a statement calling on all countries and international organisations to support efforts and global campaigns for the release of Palestinians imprisoned in Israel, and urging Arab media outlets to dedicate the required attention to this cause. 

In its statement, which coincided with the 66th anniversary of the Nakbeh (day of catastrophe), when the state of Israel was created on Palestinian land in 1948, the council said international organisations should work to protect Palestinian people and institutions. 

Minister of State for Media Affairs and Communications Mohammad Momani, who chaired the council’s meeting, said Arab media officials should come up with ideas and plans to promote joint Arab action in a manner that meets the aspirations of the region’s peoples.

In his opening address, the minister underscored the importance of joint Arab media work as a means to strengthen relations among Arabs and rise above differences, stressing the need for a free and responsible media. 

Jordan assumed presidency of the council on Thursday, replacing Yemen, which presided over the council’s 44th session.