Speaking With President Biden, Jordanian King Abdullah II Warns Israel's Unilateral Actions Damage Peace Prospects

President Biden with Jordanian King Abdullah II. (Twitter/@POTUS)

JAKARTA - Jordanian King Abdullah II warned US President Joe Biden of Israel's unilateral action that could undermine the prospect of peace while speaking by telephone Monday.

King Abdullah II warned of "hostile acts" by Israeli settlers against Palestinians and "lateral actions" that threaten the status quo of Jerusalem's holy sites.

"His Majesty warned of the violence of extremist settlers against Palestinians, as well as Israel's unilateral actions that undermine the prospects for peace and target historical status quos and laws on Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, which could trigger violence in the region," Jordan Palace said in a statement. August 6th.

The Hasemite Dynasty King Abdullah is the guardian of the holy sites of Muslims and Christians in Jerusalem. Last month, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there had been no policy changes regarding the Jerusalem site which was also tainted by Muslims, after a right-wing cabinet minister said Jews could pray there.

The complex, which is located in Jerusalem's Old City surrounded by walls, is the venue for the third holy place for Muslims, the Al-Aqsa mosque, it is also respected in Jewish religion as Temple Mount, the remains of two ancient temples.

Under the decades-long "status quo" arrangement with Muslim authorities, Israel allowed Jews to visit but should not pray. The site is at the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and suggestions that Israel change rules on religious obedience there have led to violence in the past.

The two leaders also discussed regional issues, mainly deescalation in the region, following tensions that have risen in recent times, during the assassination of high-ranking Hamas and Hezbollah officials, adding to the tension of the region that has been heating up since the war in Gaza, Palestine broke out last October.

King Abdullah II also discussed with President Biden about the need for deescalation in the region and "creating comprehensive calm to prevent regional warfare", the palace added.

President Biden himself in his tweets on social media X said he and King Abdullah II were trying to ease tensions, praising Jordan for promoting regional peace and stability.

"Today, I connected with Jordan's King Abdullah II in our efforts to ease regional tensions, including through a ceasefire and a deal to release hostages," President Biden tweeted.