King says Israel must remove provocative measures from Al Haram Al Sharif

His Majesty discusses Jerusalem crisis with Netanyahu, Erdogan over phone

By JT - Jul 25,2017 - Last updated at Jul 25,2017

Palestinian Muslim worshippers pray outside Lions’ Gate, a main entrance to Al Aqsa Mosque Compound in Jerusalem’s Old City, on Monday, in protest against new Israeli measures implemented at the holy site following an attack that killed two Israeli soldiers the previous week (AFP photo)

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to remove new security measures at Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif in Jerusalem.

In a phone call with Netanyahu, the first since a crisis at Jerusalem started last week, the King stressed the need for an immediate solution and that the reasons for the ongoing crisis at Al Haram Al Sharif compound should be removed, a Royal Court statement said.

Another statement said that His Majesty received a call from Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, whom the King briefed on Jordan’s efforts to find a solution to the situation.

Israel installed metal detectors at entrances to the site following a shootout in a July 14 attack nearby that left three Palestinian men and two occupation troops dead.

The new measures sparked Palestinian, Arab and Muslim anger, while Jordan spearheaded a campaign to end the escalation and preserve the historical and legal status of the holy city.

Upon Amman’s request, the Arab League will hold an emergency meeting at the level of foreign ministers to discuss the developments in Jerusalem.

Palestinians viewed the move as an attempt to assert further control over the third holiest shrine for Muslims, which houses Al Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock.

Jordan is the official custodian of holy sites in Old Jerusalem.

King Abdullah urged Netanyahu to cancel the new provocative measures and stressed the importance of an agreement on any measures to prevent a repeat of this escalation in the future, the statement said.

Meanwhile, Reuters reported that US President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy Jason Greenblatt, was expected in Amman for talks about the Mideast peace process after meetings in Israel, a senior administration official said on Monday.
“Jason Greenblatt arrived in Israel Monday afternoon. Following meetings with Ambassador David Friedman and Prime Minister Netanyahu, Mr. Greenblatt is travelling to Amman, Jordan for additional discussions,” the official said.

Agence France-Presse reported that Greenblatt discussed the Jerusalem tension with the Israeli leaders.

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