Jordan is closest to Palestinian cause — PM

AMMAN — Jordan is the closest to the Palestinian cause, Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour reiterated on Thursday.

At a meeting with Knesset member Ahmad Tibi, head of the Jerusalem Committee of the Joint Arab List, Ensour highlighted the Kingdom’s efforts in defending the cause at regional and international platforms, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

Awqaf Minister Hayel Dawood and Higher Education Minister Labib Khadra also attended the meeting along with a delegation accompanying Tibi.

Ensour stressed the importance of the Hashemite custodianship over Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem and the support offered to Jerusalemites to face Israeli violations.

For his part, Tibi commended Jordan’s role in supporting the Palestinian cause, noting that the Kingdom is a basic actor in pressuring Israel to change its policies and stop its violations against Palestinian civilians.

“We are keen on maintaining communication with the Royal Hashemite Court, the Jordanian government and the Awqaf Ministry to follow up on issues and updates related to Jerusalem and Al Aqsa Mosque,” the lawmaker said, highlighting the Kingdom’s active role in the Middle East.

After Tibi highlighted several issues during the talks, the prime minister issued directives to Dawood to ensure that 1948 Palestinian pilgrims to Mecca are treated the same as Jordanians and to improve services provided to them.

Ensour said the government will enhance the level of facilities and services offered at border crossings to better serve the Palestinians.