Senate commends King’s efforts to end Israeli violations in Jerusalem

AMMAN — The Senate on Sunday expressed its appreciation for His Majesty King Abdullah’s efforts at regional and international levels to prevent Israel from continuing its provocative measures against the Palestinians.

In a statement carried by the Jordan News Agency, Petra, the Senate also lauded the King’s actions to put a stop to recurrent attacks on Islamic and Christian sites, especially Al Haram Al Sharif/Al Aqsa Mosque, in Jerusalem.

Senators commended the positive results of Jordan’s efforts, which led Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to announce Tel Aviv’s respect for the Hashemite custodianship over holy sites in Jerusalem.

The Israeli government also announced its commitment to maintaining the status quo at Al Aqsa Mosque, with no division whatsoever and no restrictions preventing Muslim worshippers from praying there.

Moreover, the Israeli government adhered to Jordan’s request to install cameras that document Israeli violations and acts of aggression against Palestinians and Al Aqsa Mosque for the whole world to see, the statement said. 

The Upper House described Israeli actions against holy sites and the Palestinian people as terror acts which the international community should stand firmly against, holding Israel accountable for its crimes.

In the statement, the Senate also stressed the importance of establishing an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital in accordance with Jordan’s consistent stance on the issue.

In addition, it called on the international community to shoulder its responsibilities in protecting holy sites in Jerusalem.

Also on Sunday, Senate President Faisal Fayez met with US Ambassador to Jordan Alice G. Wells, who congratulated him on his recent appointment.

Fayez commended the advanced bilateral relations between Jordan and the US, calling for more economic support to the Kingdom in order to enable it face the repercussions of the Syrian crisis, Petra reported.

The Senate president said the “huge number” of Syrian refugees has affected many sectors, especially education, health, water, energy and infrastructure.

He also outlined reform efforts in Jordan across different political, economic and social spheres.