Israel’s violations threaten world peace, regional security — letter

AMMAN — Jordan on Wednesday filed a complaint with the UN Security Council concerning Israeli acts against holy sites in Jerusalem.

The complaint came in the form of a letter dated November 5, 2014 to Gary Quinlan, UNSC president signed by Ambassador Dina Kawar, Jordan’s permanent representative at the international body, who called for circulating the letter among members “for their immediate and valuable consideration”.

Following is the full text of the letter as provided by the Foreign Ministry: 

Excellency,

I want to bring to your attention the extremely dangerous developments in the Haram Al Sharif compound that occurred this morning. The Israeli special forces and police stormed the compound occupying Al Aqsa Mosque and firing tear gas, stun and smoke grenades, and rubber bullets inside the mosque. 

This blatant and unlawful use of force against one of the holiest sites on Earth for Muslims has resulted in fires breaking out, damage to mosaic works on ceiling and to the structure of the building, burning of the carpets and rugs, and damage to other facilities. The Israeli forces further detained the employees of the Jordanian awqaf department (the national authority that is responsible under international law to administer and maintain the holy sites), in a direct violation of the rules of international humanitarian law and Article 9 of the 1994 Treaty of Peace between Jordan and Israel. They further took control of the gates of the Haram Al Sharif compound, prohibited Muslim worshippers from entering and escorted Israeli religious and political extremists inside the compound, which inflamed the situation and desecrated the Haram Al Sharif.

The situation created by the activities of the Israeli occupying forces today comes after a series of intensive violations over the last few weeks and only days after the emergency session that the Security Council held on the situation in East Jerusalem. The session reflected a unified message against Israeli actions purporting to change the status quo in the Haram Al Sharif, and the need for Israel to de-escalate the situation and respect the sanctity of the Haram Al Sharif and its obligation under international law, including international humanitarian law and its peace treaty with Jordan. 

Given the custodianship assumed by His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein of the holy sites in occupied East Jerusalem, the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan calls on the Security Council to assume its responsibilities and hold Israel accountable for its attack on the Haram Al Sharif. The council should look into the steps to be taken to stop Israel’s violations against the Haram Al Sharif which, if allowed to proceed, will lead to another crisis threatening international peace and security in the Middle East. 

Jordan considers such serious and outrageous actions by Israel an unprecedented escalation and has recalled its ambassador to Israel for consultations this morning. This is without prejudice to any further lawful steps and measures that Jordan will be taking to stop Israeli attacks against the Haram Al Sharif. Such countermeasures and steps will be notified to the Security Council as appropriate. 

I should be grateful if you would arrange to have the text of the present letter made available to the members of the Security Council for their immediate and valuable consideration.

Please accept, Your Excellency, the assurances of my highest consideration and my warmest regards.