By Mohammad Ghazal, Jordan Times

AMMAN – Jordan will spare no political, diplomatic or legal effort to protect the Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem from Israeli violations in coordination with the Palestinian Authority, His Majesty King Abdullah said on Tuesday.

The Kingdom, he said, will continue renovation works and maintenance at Al Haram Al Sharif’s mosques, courtyards, walls and affiliated schools and will work to meet the needs of the Arab residents of Jerusalem to help them stand up to Israeli plans to evacuate the Holy City of Palestinians.

The King highlighted Jordan’s responsibility in protecting and sustaining the sacred sites and the Arab identity of Jerusalem.

His Majesty made his remarks during a ceremony at the Royal Court, where he received an honorary doctorate in humanities from the Jerusalem-based Al Quds University.

The doctorate was granted in recognition of the King’s “courageous stand towards Jerusalem, defending the city and its sacred sites, protecting its Arab identity and fostering the steadfastness of the Jerusalemites”, according to university officials.

The King, who was presented the doctorate by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the presence of officials from both sides, local universities presidents, key figures from Jerusalem and Al Quds University officials, said the honorary degree is a testimony to the historic role of the Hashemites in protecting Jerusalem. read more

His Majesty King Abdullah receives an honorary doctorate certificate from the Jerusalem-based Al Quds University, presented by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas (Photo by Yousef Allan)