Egypt, Jordan urge Israel to halt all provocative measures in Jerusalem

CAIRO - 26 April 2020: Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry and his Jordanian counterpart Ayman Safadi discussed Sunday the dangerous developments in East Jerusalem (Al Quds), stressing the importance of halting all the Israeli provocative measures and violations.

During a phone call, the two ministers denounced the acts of violence and incitement, which are carried out by extremist groups against the Palestinians in East Jerusalem, calling on Israel to immediately stop them.

The two top diplomats insisted on the importance of obliging Israel to shoulder its responsibilities in accordance with international law and protect the Palestinians.

They warned against escalation against the locals in East Jerusalem and preventing them from reaching Al Aqsa Mosque, calling on the international community to take effective action to break the deadlock in the Israeli–Palestinian peace process.

The two tackled ways of boosting the bilateral ties and reviewed the regional developments.

Shoukry briefed Safadi on the outcomes of his recent African tour on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GRED).

Meanwhile, the Jordanian foreign minister asserted his country's full support for Egypt to protect its water rights. 

Egypt condemned on Saturday the hostile acts carried out by Israeli extremist Jews against Palestinians in the Old City in East Jerusalem, leaving scores of Palestinians wounded.

In a press release, Egypt voiced concerns over the escalation of violence and provocations committed against the Palestinians since the beginning of the holy fasting month of Ramadan.

It also urged the Israeli authorities to bear their responsibility and halt their ongoing violations and provocations in the Old City of occupied Jerusalem. 

Clashes and incidents of violence have occurred almost nightly in Jerusalem - a city holy to Muslims, Christians and Jews - since the start of Ramadan on April 13.

Palestinians say police have tried to prevent them from holding their usual Ramadan evening gatherings outside the Old City's Damascus Gate by erecting metal barriers in its amphitheatre-style plaza.