Shortsighted opposition

It is indeed regrettable that Jordan was forced by shortsighted Palestinian quarters to shelve its plan to install surveillance cameras at Al Aqsa Mosque to monitor and document Israeli violations of the sanctity of the Islamic sanctuary because Palestinian sceptics voiced concerns about its real intents and purposes.

It is utterly ridiculous to cast doubt on Jordan’s intent on this issue, given the fact that the Kingdom is steadfast in its defence of Palestinian rights and is the internationally recognised custodian of the Islamic and Christian holy places in East Jerusalem.

The Palestinians who questioned the ultimate purpose of installing the cameras need to question their own intentions and purposes in opposing the sincere Jordanian efforts to put the Islamic holy sites under surveillance.

Given the fact that the Palestinian people of all walks of life often complain about Jewish violations at Islamic holy sites by allowing Israeli zealots who repeatedly transgress at Islamic sanctuaries with a view to asserting their unfounded claims on East Jerusalem, it is indeed strange to frustrate the Jordanian initiative that aims to halt the Israeli designs on East Jerusalem and its holy places.

Now and the entire compound housing Al Aqsa Mosque is left without monitoring and at the mercy of Israeli designs, with no effective mechanism to hold Israelis accountable for their acts of aggression on the Islamic holy place.

Palestinians who opposed the Jordanian plan to install surveillance cameras in and around Al Aqsa Mosque will live to regret their stance.

Jordan has effectively frozen its plan, but has not irrevocably cancelled or abandoned it.

Once the opposing Palestinians reconsider their stand, there is no doubt that Jordan will also reconsider its decision.

The Kingdom has an important role to play as custodian of the holy places in East Jerusalem.