Amman: Secretary-General of the Royal Committee for Jerusalem Affairs (RCJA), Abdullah Kanaan, has reiterated the ongoing support for Palestinians amidst increasing tensions and aggressive policies by the Israeli occupation, which have targeted significant religious occasions, including the holy month of Ramadan, in clear violations of human rights and international laws.
According to Jordan News Agency, Kanaan highlighted the painful memories associated with the 11th of Ramadan. On this date in the year 1428 Hijri, corresponding to September 23, 2007, the Israeli occupation imposed a military and security embargo on Jerusalem, preventing worshipers from entering Al-Aqsa Mosque under the pretext of “Yom Kippur” celebrations. Additionally, Israel opened a Jewish temple near the Dome of the Rock on the same date, a move perceived as an attempt to Judaize Jerusalem and oppress Muslims and Christians.
Kanaan also recalled the atrocities, such as the aggression on Gaza during Ramadan 1435 Hijri, (July 8, 2014), known as “Operation Protective Edge.” This operation resulted in the deaths of about 2,200 Palestinians, injuries to over 11,000, including hundreds of children and women, and enormous economic losses, as reported by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
He emphasized that the current situation mirrors past events, with Israel continuing its policies of genocide, displacement, and starvation against Palestinians, capitalizing on the international community’s silence and lack of accountability measures.
Kanaan stressed the unwavering Hashemite Jordanian commitment to supporting Jerusalem and its people, recalling His Majesty King Abdullah II’s significant donation in 2007 of JD1.113 million to the Hashemite Fund for the Reconstruction of Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock. The King’s ongoing support for restoration projects in Jerusalem was also noted.
He concluded by affirming Jordan’s dedication, along with its leadership and people, to defending Jerusalem’s Islamic and Christian holy sites and supporting the Palestinians’ resilience, despite facing numerous challenges and sacrifices.