US Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed violence between Israeli and Palestinians in Jerusalem, the West Bank and elsewhere with his Jordanian counterpart Ayman Safadi, the State Department says.
“The Secretary and Foreign Minister discussed the importance of Israelis and Palestinians working to end the cycle of violence by refraining from actions and rhetoric that further escalate tensions,” the State Department says.
It says the talks took place Monday, but only announces them Tuesday.
Blinken also stressed that the US backs Jordan’s role in overseeing the administration of the Temple Mount.
“Secretary Blinken emphasized the importance of upholding the historic status quo at the Haram al-Sharif/Temple Mount, and appreciation for the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan’s special role as custodian of Muslim holy places in Jerusalem,” the readout says.
There is no immediate Jordanian announcement on the talks. On Monday, Safadi slammed Israel over police actions on the Temple Mount, and called for the return of a pre-2000 status quo in which only non-Muslims needed approval from the Jordanian Waqf to visit the holy site, in comments that omitted any Jewish connection to Jerusalem or its holy sites.
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From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, April 19, 2022
