Amman: His Majesty King Abdullah II on Tuesday received representatives of the Jerusalem awqaf, church leaders, Jerusalemites, and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at Al Husseiniya Palace, according to a royal court statement.
According to Jordan News Agency, the meeting focused on Jordan’s crucial role under King Abdullah’s leadership in supporting Palestinians and the Hashemite Custodianship of Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem. Sheikh Mohammad Azzam Al Khatib, Director of Jerusalem Waqf and Al Aqsa Mosque Affairs, commended the King’s firm stance in defending Palestinian rights and his consistent support for the Palestinian state. Khatib also acknowledged the King’s commitment to rebuilding Gaza and providing relief and medical aid to alleviate the suffering of Gazans.
The role of the Hashemite Custodianship was further emphasized by Greek Orthodox Patriarch of Jerusalem Theophilos III. He remarked on the political and historical responsibility borne by His Majesty, which safeguards the Holy Land’s unique character. Theophilos III warned of the challenges facing the Christian presence in the Holy Land due to Israeli extremists’ attempts to change the demographic and spiritual landscape of Jerusalem. He also pointed out the threat of Christian Zionism and increasing restrictions on freedom of worship and access to holy sites.
Jerusalem Grand Mufti Sheikh Mohammad Hussein expressed gratitude for Jordan’s support and the Hashemite Custodianship’s role in aiding Palestinians against displacement. Similarly, General Vicar and Patriarchal Vicar for Jerusalem and Palestine William Shomali thanked the King for his humanitarian stance. Shomali opposed the notion of canonizing Palestine in the name of the Jewish people and praised the launch of an online Palestinian educational platform under Royal directives, benefiting over one million Palestinian students.
Mustafa Abu Sway, the Ghazali Chair professor at Al Quds University, highlighted King Abdullah’s determination that Palestinians remain on their land and praised the Hashemite Custodianship as an international legal responsibility. He referenced the Pact of Omar, which protected Christian worshippers’ rights in Jerusalem, underscoring the historical and cultural significance of the Custodianship.