Jordan applauds UNESCO's decision to protect Old City of Jerusalem

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates issued a statement welcoming the recent decision by the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO to maintain the status of the Old City of Jerusalem and its walls on the List of World Heritage in Danger. 

Ministry spokesperson Sufyan Qudah emphasized that all occupation measures aimed at changing the character and legal status of the Holy City are null and void. 

He underscored the need for “Israel”, the occupying power, to cease all violations and illegal actions in the Old City of Jerusalem.

Qudah affirmed to Roya that the adopted decision reaffirms previous committee decisions and recalls sixteen UNESCO resolutions. 

These resolutions expressed regret over the occupying power's failure to stop excavations, tunneling, and other activities in East Jerusalem, which are deemed illegal under international law. 

The decision also underscores the urgency of appointing a permanent UNESCO representative in the Old City of Jerusalem to monitor all activities within the organization's jurisdiction. 

Additionally, it calls for sending an interactive monitoring mission from UNESCO to Jerusalem to observe all violations committed by the Israeli Occupation authorities.

Qudah noted that the adoption of this decision resulted from Jordanian diplomatic efforts in coordination with the State of Palestine and the Arab and Islamic groups within UNESCO.