His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday reiterated Jordan's continued support for the holy places in Jerusalem and for the steadfastness of Muslim and Christian Arabs in the holy city.

Chairing a meeting on the measures and projects implemented to preserve the identity of Al Aqsa and the Dome of the Rock Mosques, King Abdullah emphasised that preserving the holy places in Jerusalem is a top Jordanian Hashemite priority and that Jordan will spare no effort to achieve this goal.

During the meeting, attended by several officials and key Jerusalemites, the King stressed Jordan's commitment to its mandate to preserve the holy city and its opposition to all Israel's unilateral actions to distort the identity of the holy city and to displace its Muslim and Christian residents.

Participants included Royal Court Chief Nasser Lozi, King's Adviser Ayman Safadi, Minister of Foreign Affairs Nasser Judeh, the Kingdom's Grand Mufti Nuh Qudah and Jordan's Ambassador to Israel Ali Ayed.

Highlighting projects implemented under the direct supervision of King Abdullah to preserve and safeguard the holy sites, participants also spoke of Israeli policies targeting Muslim and Christian sites and the area's residents.

Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs Abdul Fattah Salah said renovation projects, implemented upon directives by King Abdullah, in Al Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock have gone a long way in protecting the city's identity.

Awqaf Assistant Secretary General for Jerusalem Affairs Abdul Atheem Salhab said ongoing work includes a project to test, renovate and strengthen the wooden dome of the Dome of the Rock, with all mosaic works and other historic ornamentation, in addition to maintenance work and renovations in Al Aqsa Mosque and work on the Islamic Museum project, in cooperation with UNESCO.

Stressing the Hashemites' role in protecting the holy sites, Senator Taher Masri said: “We need to join efforts to face Jewish plans targeting Al Aqsa Mosque to ensure and boost residents' steadfastness.”

Stressing the importance of maintaining contact with Palestinians in the holy city, Chief Islamic Justice Ahmad Hilayel said a delegation of Sharia judges had been dispatched to visit their counterparts in Jerusalem and learn about their situation.

Also at the meeting, the delegates from Jerusalem explained to the King the challenges to their daily lives caused by continued Israeli attempts to displace them and Judaise the holy city.

Fouzieh Jaber, a Jerusalemite living in the Sheikh Jarrah area, said: “With the efforts of His Majesty King Abdullah, we have hope to return to our homes in Sheikh Jarrah.”