Jordan abandons plan to install cameras on Temple Mount

Following fierce Palestinian protests and threats, Jordan said on Monday that it has abandoned its plan to install security cameras on the Temple Mount.

 

The decision was announced by Jordanian Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour.

 

The security cameras were supposed to be installed on the Temple Mount in accordance with an agreement reached late last year between Israel and Jordan under the auspices of US Secretary of State John Kerry.

 

Ensour said that Jordan would “always remain at the forefront of those defending Palestine, its cause, people and holy sites.”

 

Last week, Palestinian activists distributed leaflets on the Mount warning Jordan against the installation of the security cameras. The leaflets urged Palestinians to break the cameras if they are installed.

 

The Islamic Movement in Israel’s Northern Branch, headed by Sheikh Raed Salah, has also voiced strong opposition to the installment of the security cameras.

 

The Palestinians argue that the cameras would be used by Israel to identify and arrest Muslim worshipers and activists opposed to visits by Jews to the Temple Mount. In recent months, scores of male and female activists calling themselves murabitun and murabitat have been harassing non-Muslims touring the Temple Mount under police protection.

 

Read More: Jordan abandons plan to install cameras on Temple Mount – Arab-Israeli Conflict – Jerusalem Post