Jordanian Experts Analyze Jerusalem’s Status Amid Regional and International Shifts

Amman, Aug. 10 (Petra) — A seminar titled “Jerusalem Amid Current Developments” convened to examine the city’s status, the political and on-the-ground challenges it faces, and the impact of regional and international shifts on its future. Jordan’s role as custodian of Muslim and Christian holy sites was also highlighted.

Participants emphasized that Jerusalem is not merely a political issue but holds deep religious, historical, and national significance. They called for the preservation of the city’s Arab, Muslim, and Christian identity, urging vigilance against efforts to alter its historical and legal status, particularly in light of increased Israeli activity in the city and its holy sites following the Gaza conflict.

The seminar underscored the importance of Hashemite custodianship in safeguarding the holy sites and maintaining their identity. Attendees stressed the need for sustained political, legal, and diplomatic efforts to counter measures that could change Jerusalem’s status and historical character.

The event, organized by the Jerash Festival for Culture and Arts administration in collaboration with the Jordanian Writers and Literatures Union, featured cultural and intellectual discussions. Union president poet Alyan Al-Adwan praised the festival’s role in supporting culture and intellectuals, welcoming its cooperation with the association and the participation of prominent researchers in addressing the Jerusalem issue.

The seminar included four main sessions, with the first titled “Jerusalem: The Compass and the Key to a Solution.” Former minister Hazem Qashou spoke about Jerusalem’s significance to Jordan and the Hashemites, describing it as a symbol of Arab identity due to its religious, historical, and political importance.

Qashou noted that Jordan’s position on Jerusalem is rooted in a historical and religious mission, with the city being an integral part of the country’s national identity. He highlighted Jordan’s role as a key player in the Jerusalem issue, citing its geography, history, and political standing, as well as the Hashemites’ long-standing commitment to caring for and defending the city’s holy sites.

In the second session, titled “Jerusalem, the Hashemites and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan,” former director of the Hashemite Royal Jordanian Documentation Center Mohammad Issa Al-Adwan reviewed the historical relationship between Jordan and Jerusalem, drawing on documents and correspondence that reflect the city’s importance in the eyes of the Hashemite leadership and Jordanians.

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