AMMAN, July 22, 2026 (WAFA) – Jordan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates welcomed on Wednesday the decision of UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee to maintain the Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls on the List of World Heritage in Danger.

The Ministry's official spokesperson, Ambassador Fouad Majali, said the decision affirms the illegality and lack of legitimacy of Israeli violations against Islamic and Christian holy sites, worshippers' rights, freedom of worship, unrestricted access to holy places, interference in the authority of the Jerusalem Awqaf Administration and the affairs of Al-Aqsa Mosque, as well as projects and excavations that affect the cultural heritage and character of the Old City.

He noted that the decision underscores the need to preserve the historical and legal status quo in Jerusalem and at its holy sites, and to safeguard the city's heritage. It also recalled previous UNESCO decisions expressing regret over Israel's failure to halt excavations and other activities in occupied East Jerusalem, as well as its refusal to implement UNESCO's request to appoint a permanent representative in occupied East Jerusalem to provide regular reports on all matters falling within UNESCO's mandate. The decision further underscored the urgent need to carry out UNESCO's Reactive Monitoring Mission to the Old City of Jerusalem and its Walls.

Majali stressed that all Israeli measures aimed at altering the Arab, Islamic and Christian identity of occupied Jerusalem along with its historical and legal status quo are null, void and illegitimate. He called on Israel, the occupying Power, to cease all violations against holy sites, which breach international law and undermine efforts to achieve the two-State solution and a just and comprehensive peace in the region.

The World Heritage Committee of UNESCO took the decision to keep the Old City of Jerusalem inscribed on the list during its 10-day 48th session, which kicked off in Busan, the Republic of Korea, on Sunday, July 19.

K.F.