Safadi chairs 3rd meeting of Arab ministerial committee on Israeli violations in occupied Jerusalem

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Wednesday headed the third meeting of the Arab ministerial committee tasked with implementing steps to halt the illegal Israeli procedures in occupied Jerusalem.

During the meeting, held prior to the 157th ordinary session of the Arab League Council at the ministerial level, Safadi reviewed the Kingdom’s efforts to mobilise international support to stop the Israeli procedures that aim to change the Islamic and Christian Arab identity of occupied Jerusalem and its legal and historic status quo, and undermine opportunities to a regional fair and comprehensive peace.

He also highlighted efforts towards protecting the rights of Palestinians to their homes in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood, according to a ministry statement.

The minister also reviewed the efforts aimed to reach a political ground that allows for resuming serious and effective negotiations to realise just and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution that guarantees the establishment of an independent sovereign state with East Jerusalem as its capital on the pre-1967 lines, to live side-by-side in peace and security with Israel, according to relevant international resolutions and the Arab peace initiative.

Participating ministers highlighted the importance of combating all illegitimate Israeli procedures, enhancing the resilience of Jerusalemites, and stopping the forcible displacement of the Palestinians.

The ministers reiterated the significance of maintaining the historical and legal status quo in Jerusalem and its holy sites, expressing rejection for all practices that aim to change this status quo.

They also highlighted the importance of the Hashemite custodianship on Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem and its role in preserving these holy sites and their Arab identity.

Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad Al Maliki shared with the committee the Israeli schemes meant to the Judaisation of the holy city, calling for approving "save Jerusalem" plan to ensure action to support the Palestinians.

Chaired by Jordan, the ministerial committee’s members include Tunisia, head of the current Arab Summit, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Palestine, Qatar, Egypt, Morocco and the Secretary-General of the Arab League.