Amman, April 15 (Petra) – His Royal Highness Prince El Hassan bin Talal spearheads a comprehensive national effort to establish the Hashemite Endowment for Jerusalem as part of the vision of His Majesty King Abdullah II and the historic Hashemite custodianship of holy sites in Jerusalem, This endowment represents an institutional framework that reflects the enduring Hashemite role in safeguarding holy sites and preserving the city's unified Arab identity.

In this context, Prince El Prince Hassan met on Wednesday with a delegation of Jerusalemites as part of a series of consultative meetings aimed at formally launching the "Hashemite Endowment for Jerusalem." The official establishment of the endowment is expected before Eid al-Adha, embodying the continuation of the historic Hashemite role in caring for Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.

At the outset of the meeting, Prince El Hassan said that Jerusalem is not merely a headline in a news bulletin, nor a transient issue for negotiation, but a "living conscience and a daily test of our shared humanity." He underscored that registering the Hashemite endowment is not simply an administrative step but a profound act of responsibility and a renewal of a deeply rooted historical covenant, grounded in Hashemite custodianship and its internationally recognised religious, historical and legal legitimacy.

His addressed the worsening humanitarian situation, noting that more than 71,000 people were killed in the Gaza Strip, with over 171,000 others wounded many sustaining permanent disabilities alongside tens of thousands of children facing the loss of their childhoods or their lives.

He added that the figures "are not mere statistics but reflect a human crisis in which lives are being reshaped under unprecedented pressure." Prince El Hassan discussed escalating developments in occupied Jerusalem that undermine the long-standing historical and legal status quo, including repeated incursions into the Al Aqsa Mosque and increasing restrictions on access to Islamic and Christian holy sites, including the Church of the Holy Sepulchre during religious holidays.

He warned that such measures aim to gradually impose a new reality on the ground.

He discussed the risks posed by moves toward stricter punitive legislation, including proposed laws concerning the execution of Palestinian prisoners, noting that such measures contravene the principles of international humanitarian law.

He said that "Jerusalem is not merely a political issue but one of humanity, dignity and identity," adding that preserving the status quo at Al Aqsa Mosque is essential for regional stability.

Protecting holy sites, he added, is intrinsically linked to safeguarding the city's religious and cultural pluralism.

The meeting featured interventions from members of the Jerusalemite delegation, who outlined the challenges facing residents of the city, including issues related to the Custodian of Absentee Property, repeated attacks and measures that infringe upon the rights of both Muslims and Christians.

Holding the meeting in Jordan reflects Prince El Hassan's belief in engaging Jerusalemites in shaping the Hashemite Endowment, considering them genuine partners in its development and an integral part of its vision and objectives.

The Prince's approach ensures that the endowment's direction is informed by their lived realities and pressing needs.

Minister of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs and Holy Places Muhammad Khalayleh said that Jordan continues to exert efforts at various levels to support Jerusalem.

He noted that the Hashemite Endowment forms part of a broader framework aimed at strengthening the resilience of Jerusalemites through financial and service-based tools that support their steadfastness on their land and protect Islamic and Christian holy sites.

Chief Justice Sheikh Abdul-Hafiz Al-Rabta stated that the meeting reflects a convergence of responsibility and mission, describing the Hashemite Endowment as a qualitative step toward transforming the endowment into a sustainable strategic instrument that reinforces foundational principles and safeguards identity.

In turn, Bishop Iyad Twal discussed the global dimension of the initiative, calling for developing mechanisms that ensure Jerusalem's voice reaches the international community and to strengthen the connection between the sanctity of the place and its people. The meeting is part of the ongoing national effort led by Prince El Hassan under royal patronage and supervision to establish the Hashemite Endowment for Jerusalem.

The initiative represents an institutional framework that combines financial and service support with legal and administrative mechanisms, aiming to safeguard the historical rights of Jerusalemites, preserve the city's Arab identity and reinforce its status as a shared heritage of humanity.

//Petra// AK