Israel, Jordan agree on steps to reduce tension in Jerusalem

25 October 2015 08:26 am

Israeli and Jordanian leaders have agreed on steps to reduce tensions at a holy site in Jerusalem that is sacred to both Muslims and Jews, and has been at the centre of renewed violence in the Middle East, US Secretary of State John Kerry said Saturday.

Kerry said Israel and Jordan, which oversees Muslim access to the site known the Temple Mount to Jews and Haram al-Sharif (Noble Sanctuary) to Muslims, will attempt to ensure order and security.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said his government "re-affirms its commitment to upholding unchanged the status quo of the Temple Mount, in word and in practice."

Kerry said the leaders agreed to 24-hour video surveillance and other measures to enhance public order and calm. Netanyahu did not mention the video monitoring, but said that Israel had no intention to divide the site. (DPA)