London Renews Support for Jordanian Guardianship over Al-Aqsa in Response to 'Kushner-Huckabee' Plans

British government sources affirmed the necessity of adhering to the Hashemite Jordanian guardianship over the holy sites in occupied Jerusalem, emphasizing the importance of respecting the existing historical status quo. This official stance came in a statement from the Foreign Office in response to reports revealing American and Israeli moves aimed at changing the identity of Al-Aqsa Mosque and withdrawing administrative powers from it.

These British statements come at a sensitive time, as press reports have revealed a 'conspiracy' led by former US President's son-in-law Jared Kushner, and former US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee. This plan aims to end the historical guardianship of the Jordanian royal family, a guardianship that has ensured the stability of the status quo in the Noble Sanctuary for many decades.

According to leaked information, the proposed plan seeks to establish a new Israeli body to manage the site, declaring Al-Aqsa Mosque a 'multi-faith center'. This approach represents a radical reversal of international understandings, as it would grant settlers and Jews equal rights to access the mosque and officially and publicly perform collective Talmudic prayers.

The plan also includes granting Israeli occupation authorities a decisive say in the administrative and religious affairs of the mosque, including the appointment of imams, custodians, and senior Waqf officials. The plan also stipulates that the content of Friday sermons must be subject to prior Israeli censorship and approval, thereby stripping the mosque of its Islamic sovereignty and turning it into a tool under full occupation control.

For his part, independent British MP Shoukat Adam led a parliamentary move to question Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper about these dangerous plans. Adam explained in his letter that Al-Aqsa Mosque is not merely a place of worship, but a symbol of identity and dignity for Palestinians and Muslims worldwide, warning of the repercussions of tampering with its current status.

MP Adam called on the British government to provide clarifications on whether it had directly raised these reports with the American administration and the Israeli government. He also called for an assessment of the risks of 'ethnic cleansing' and instability that could result from attempts to change the legal and historical status of the holy sites in occupied Jerusalem.

In response to these questions, a spokesperson for the British Foreign Office stated that London highly appreciates the Jordanian role in protecting the holy sites. The spokesperson indicated that Britain considers Jordanian guardianship a fundamental pillar of stability, affirming that the UK's official position remains steadfast in supporting the existing arrangements without change.

This British stance is the first of its kind to reconfirm support for Jordanian guardianship since the emergence of reports about the Kushner-Huckabee plan. This move reflects growing concern in Western diplomatic circles about the extremist policies that may be adopted by parties associated with the former US administration and the current Israeli government.

In a related context, sources close to the British government indicate that ministers are considering taking practical steps to pressure Israel, including imposing a ban on settlement goods. This study comes as part of an escalation of British criticism of the expansion of illegal settlements in the West Bank, which undermines prospects for peace and stability in the region.

Reports indicate that the plan promoted by Kushner and Huckabee relies on suddenly bypassing the authority of the Islamic Waqf, which is supported by Jordan. Observers believe that the implementation of such plans will lead to a wave of widespread anger in the Arab and Islamic worlds, given the spiritual and political status represented by the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Although Kushner currently holds no official position, his influence on Middle East policies remains a subject of interest and monitoring. International parties fear that these proposals could pave the way for more aggressive policies towards the holy sites if certain currents return to power in Washington.

In conclusion, the British position supporting Jordan remains an important step in confronting attempts to liquidate the Hashemite guardianship, but the on-the-ground challenges in Jerusalem are becoming more complex. Popular and parliamentary calls in London continue to exert real pressure to ensure that Al-Aqsa Mosque is not harmed and to protect the Arab and Islamic identity of the holy city.

The existing historical arrangements regarding the status quo in the holy sites in Jerusalem must be respected, and we appreciate the important role played by Jordan as their guardian.