Jerusalem: Secretary-General of the Royal Committee for Jerusalem Affairs (RCJA), Abdullah Kanaan, has “strongly” condemned what he describes as a dangerous escalation by Israel against Al-Aqsa Mosque. Kanaan pointed to the recent actions of Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, labeling them as provocative and a blatant violation of the legal and historical status quo.
According to Jordan News Agency, Kanaan asserted that Israel’s actions aim to establish a new reality that contradicts international legitimacy resolutions and jeopardizes the status of Jerusalem and its Islamic and Christian holy sites. He emphasized the Kingdom’s “historical” role under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II in safeguarding these sites. The Hashemite custodianship, Kanaan noted, acts as a “protective” shield against ongoing Israeli attacks, working to preserve the mosque’s Islamic identity and counter efforts to Judaize the holy site.
Kanaan reiterated that Jerusalem will remain an Islamic Arab city, despite Israeli attempts to alter its identity or impose false narratives. He warned that such hostile policies by Israel would only lead to increased popular anger and international isolation. The steps taken by Israel, Kanaan stated, will be “categorically” rejected by Arab and Islamic peoples, as well as by conscientious individuals worldwide.
He also affirmed his “complete and absolute” rejection of Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories, including Jerusalem, in line with United Nations resolutions, the Security Council, and the International Court of Justice’s stance that settlements are illegal and violate international law. Kanaan called upon the international community to fulfill its legal and moral obligations by taking “effective” measures to stop ongoing Israeli attacks on Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Kanaan highlighted the need to respect UNESCO resolutions that affirm Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Western Wall belong exclusively to Muslims. He emphasized that the protection of Jerusalem and its holy sites is a “collective” responsibility, warning that any negligence could have serious repercussions for international peace and security.
In a related matter, Kanaan condemned the Israeli government’s decision to approve the construction of a settlement road around Jerusalem, intended to create a tunnel for Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. He stated that this project would enable Israel to further its expansion plans in the E1 area beyond the Green Line, thus bolstering settlement construction in the region.
Additionally, the committee “vigorously” condemned a recent incident in Jerusalem where the headquarters of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) was deliberately set on fire. The RCJA characterized the attack as part of ongoing Israeli incitement against international institutions providing services to Palestinian refugees.