Steps "agreed" to calm Jerusalem tensions
Posted by admin | 9 years ago | 2,971 times
US Secretary of State,John Kerry has said that steps geared towards calming tensions between the Israelis and Palestinians have been agreed at Amman.
Giving sketchy details,Kerry said firm commitments have been made to maintain the status quo in occupied east Jerusalem,after talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Jordan's king Abdullah 11.
He noted that Israel and Jordan,which has custodial rights over al-Aqsa mosque in East Jerusalem,have also agreed to take steps to de-escalate the tension in Jerusalem and to restore confidence.
Shortly after the meeting,the Israeli police announced that they will lift all age restrictions at al-Aqsa mosque from Friday.
Israel has regularly used age limits as restrictions for men to the site,which is the scene of the violent clashes in recent weeks.
Much of the unrest in Jerusalem has been prompted by Israeli moves to set up settlement activity at the city's eastern sector,and religious tensions at al-Aqsa compound,a holy site for both Muslims and Jews.
Palestinians have also been angered by a far right jewish campaign for prayers at al-Alqsa compound,although Israel insists it has no plans to change the age long status quo.
Thursdays meeting came a day after Israel agreed to build a 200 homes settlement in East Jerusalem. A move the US have criticised.
Kerry also met Mahmoud Abbas,Palestinian president in an effort to calm tensions.
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