Amman: Minister of Foreign and Expatriates Affairs Ayman Safadi announced a coordinated Arab-Islamic initiative to safeguard Jerusalem and its Islamic and Christian holy sites during a ministerial meeting held in Amman. The meeting, aimed at confronting Israel's "illegal" policies in occupied Jerusalem, demonstrated a unified stance among Arab and Islamic nations.
According to Jordan News Agency, the joint press conference featured Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, and Arab League Secretary-General Nabil Fahmy alongside Safadi. Safadi emphasized that Jerusalem is an occupied territory with no Israeli sovereignty, rendering Israeli decisions regarding the city illegitimate. He highlighted the increasing threats to Jerusalem, including settlement expansion, land confiscation, and restrictions on freedom of worship.
Safadi stated that these Israeli actions are part of a broader strategy to cement the occupation of Palestinian territories and diminish the possibility of a two-state solution. He also conveyed that the meeting participants agreed to enhance joint diplomatic efforts by engaging with international capitals, exposing Israeli policies, and galvanizing international support to stop violations in Jerusalem.
The Arab-Israeli conflict stems from Israel's occupation of Palestinian lands rather than religious differences, warned Safadi, and continued violations of holy sites could ignite a wider religious conflict with significant regional and international repercussions. Arab states remain dedicated to achieving peace through the establishment of an independent Palestinian state on the June 4, 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
Jordan organized the meeting in its role as the chair of the ministerial committee and due to its historic Hashemite Custodianship of Jerusalem's holy sites, according to Safadi. This custodianship, directed by His Majesty King Abdullah II, has prevented Israel from asserting direct control over the sacred sites. Safadi reiterated that sovereignty over Jerusalem belongs to the Palestinian people, while the Hashemite Custodianship protects its religious sites, emphasizing the shared responsibility to safeguard Jerusalem.
Safadi announced an upcoming joint diplomatic initiative by Arab and Islamic countries at the UN General Assembly in September, including a combined meeting of the League of Arab States and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. The initiative aims to build on the outcomes of the Amman meeting and establish a platform to document and raise awareness of Israeli practices impacting Jerusalem.
Arab League Secretary-General Nabil Fahmy affirmed the rejection of Israeli practices and discussed coordinated action proposals. Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty highlighted the consensus on moving beyond statements to actionable steps to preserve the identity of East Jerusalem and its holy sites. Abdelatty also addressed Israeli violations in the occupied West Bank and Gaza and called for efforts to achieve a ceasefire and humanitarian relief.
Palestinian Foreign Minister Varsen Aghabekian Shahin described Jerusalem as central to regional peace and stability. She urged the translation of international support into practical measures to bolster Palestinian resilience in Jerusalem, expose Israeli violations, and expand diplomatic efforts to protect the city.