His Majesty King Abdullah on Friday strongly condemned the Israeli actions against worshippers at Al Aqsa Mosque, stressing that Jordan would continue its contacts with the Arab and Islamic worlds and the international community to halt Israel's excavation work in the area.

The King said Israel's practices will only widen the cycle of violence and hamper progress in relaunching the peace process.

In a phone call with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, King Abdullah voiced his deep concern over the dangerous Israeli escalation against Islamic holy sites in Jerusalem, stressing Jordan's rejection of all Israeli pretexts to justify its violations against Al Aqsa Mosque.

His Majesty stressed Jordan's continued support to ensure the preservation of holy sites in Jerusalem, chief among them Al Aqsa Mosque, Islam's third holiest site.

King Abdullah described Israel's excavation work as a stark violation that threatens the foundations of Al Aqsa Mosque.

Meanwhile, His Majesty said the agreement reached between Hamas and Fateh in Mecca was an important step to stop the infighting in the Palestinian territories and enhance the unity of the Palestinians to restore their legitimate rights, chief among them the creation of an independent Palestinian state.

Abbas, for his part, commended the King's efforts in defending the holy sites in Jerusalem and his keenness to enhance the unity of the Palestinians.

The Jordan Times