Middle East

Israel and Jordan reach agreement on holy site tensions

Site known to Jews as the Temple Mount and to Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary

The Dome of the Rock is seen in the background as Palestinian men take part in Friday prayers on the compound known to Muslims as Noble Sanctuary and to Jews as Temple Mount in Jerusalem’s Old City. Photograph: Ammar Awad/Reuters

Sat Oct 24 2015 - 15:22

Israel and Jordan have agreed on steps aimed at reducing tensions at a holy site in Jerusalem that have fanned Israeli-Palestinian violence, says US secretary of state John Kerry.

Jordan is custodian of the site known to Jews as the Temple Mount and to Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary.

Mr Kerry says the steps include round-the-clock video monitoring and Israel’s reaffirming of Jordan’s special and historic role as custodian.

He says Israel is pledging to maintain the rules of worship at the site, and that Israeli and Jordanian authorities will meet about bolstering security.

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The hill-top compound is a frequent flashpoint and its fate is a central issue at the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Mr Kerry made the announcement after meeting in Jordan's capital with King Abdullah II and Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas.

Mr Kerry met with Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Berlin on Thursday.

PA

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