RAMALLAH, President Mahmoud Abbas received today a telephone call from US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, during which they discussed the latest dangerous developments in the Palestinian territories, particularly in Jerusalem and at al-Aqsa Mosque.

President Abbas briefed Blinken on the brutal attacks of the Israeli occupation forces and extremist groups of settlers that storm al-Aqsa Mosque on a daily basis, in flagrant violation of its historical and legal status quo, stressing the necessity of coordinating non-Muslim visits to the mosque through the Muslim Waqf (endowment).

The president emphasized his complete rejection of any changes to the al-Aqsa Mosque’s historical status quo.

He stressed the importance of creating a political horizon that would lead to an end to the Israeli occupation of the land of the State of Palestine, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

He further stressed the importance of ending unilateral actions, and committing to the signed agreements, calling for the rapid reopening of the US consulate in Jerusalem.

The President warned that the continuation of the Israeli incursions into Palestinian cities, villages, and camps, the killing of our people, and other brutal attacks will lead to dire and unbearable consequences.

For his part, the US Secretary of State stressed that Israel has been informed of the need to adhere to the historical status quo of the Haram al-Sharif (Al-Aqsa Mosque) in Jerusalem, and the safe and free access of Muslim worshippers to Al-Haram Al-Sharif.

He affirmed his country’s rejection of settler violence, house demolitions, expulsions of residents, and the incursion of the Israeli army into Area A, noting that Israel was urged to take steps to improve the situation.

He also indicated that he shares President Abbas’ view on the need to find a political horizon, stressing the need to hold talks to improve the quality of life for the Palestinians.

Source: Palestine News & Info Agency