European Council chief, Jordan’s king discuss Jerusalem situation

By Agnes Szucs

​​​​​​​BRUSSELS (AA) – European Council chief Charles Michel held discussions on Monday with Jordan’s King Abdullah II about the deteriorating security situation in the occupied West Bank.

The two spoke about “the importance of preserving (the) status quo of holy sites in Jerusalem,” Michel said on Twitter.

The leaders agreed that the “deteriorating security situation highlights (the) need to restore a political horizon for (a) credible peace process,” he said.

They also voiced full support for “efforts with all partners to reduce tensions and de-escalate,” he added.

Over past weeks, tensions have risen across the occupied West Bank and Palestinian territories as Israeli forces have carried out arrests and military raids following a series of attacks in Israel.

On Friday, Israeli forces raided the Al-Aqsa Mosque courtyard and clashed with worshippers, injuring hundreds of people.

On Sunday, more than 700 Israeli settlers forced their way into the Al-Aqsa Mosque complex under heavy police protection to celebrate the weeklong Jewish Passover holiday, which started on Friday.

Al-Aqsa Mosque is the world’s third-holiest site for Muslims. Jews call the area the “Temple Mount,” claiming it was the site of two Jewish temples in ancient times.

The West Bank, including East Jerusalem, is seen as an occupied territory under international law, thus making all Jewish settlements there illegal.

Like Turkiye and much of the international community, the EU does not recognize Israel’s sovereignty over the territories it has occupied since 1967.