FRANKFURT — Jordanian King Abdullah II Bin Al-Hussein on Sunday reaffirmed the need for Israel to respect the historical and legal status quo at Al Aqsa Mosque, and cease all illegal and provocative measures that violate it and could push towards further escalation Jordan News Agency (Petra) reported.

Chairing a meeting on the latest developments in Jerusalem via telepresence, King Abdullah directed the government to continue its regional and international efforts and communications to stop Israeli escalations, and to lobby for an active international position that exerts pressure on Israel.

The King stressed that maintaining calm requires Israel to respect the historical and legal status quo in Al Aqsa Mosque, and to create political horizons that fulfill all the just rights of the Palestinian people, on the basis of the two-state solution.

The King reiterated that protecting Jerusalem and its holy sites will remain a priority for Jordan, directing the government to dedicate all capacities to safeguard these sites, as well as the historical and legal status quo in the holy city and its Arab, Islamic and Christian identity. — SPA