Security Council calls for full respect of Al Haram Al Sharif sanctity

AMMAN — The UN Security Council on Friday stressed that Palestinian Muslim worshippers at Al Haram Al Sharif, Al Aqsa Mosque compound, must be allowed to worship in peace, free from violence, threats and provocations. 

In a statement issued on ongoing situation in Jerusalem, members of the Security Council called for full respect for the sanctity of Al Haram Al Sharif, noting the importance of the special role of Jordan as confirmed in the 1994 peace treaty between Jordan and Israel. 

The Security Council members expressed their “grave concern” regarding escalating tensions in Jerusalem, especially surrounding Al Haram Al Sharif compound, including recent clashes in and around the site.

The Security Council called for the exercise of restraint, refraining from provocative actions and rhetoric, and upholding unchanged the historic status quo at Al Haram Al Sharif — in word and in practice.  

The members of the Security Council urged all sides to work cooperatively together to lower tensions and discourage violence at holy sites in Jerusalem.

The members of the Security Council appealed for the restoration of calm and encouraged increased coordination between Israel and Jordan’s Awqaf Department.

The statement said that members underscored that visitors and worshippers must demonstrate restraint and respect for the sanctity of the area and for maintaining the historic status quo at the holy sites. 

The members of the Security Council urged that the status quo of Al Haram Al Sharif should be maintained and visitors should be without fear of violence or intimidation.

The members called for the immediate cessation of violence and for all appropriate steps to be taken to ensure that violence ceases, provocative actions are avoided, and that the situation returns to normality in a way which promotes the prospects for Middle East peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians.

The Jordan News Agency, Petra, said that Al Haram Al Sharif phrase was used for the first time in 15 years by the Security Council thanks to Jordan’s intensive diplomatic efforts. 

His Majesty King Abdullah has issued directives to use all channels and ways to pressure Israel into stopping its continuous violations against Al Aqsa Mosque. 

King Abdullah made a series of calls with several regional and world leaders to discuss the developments in Jerusalem.