WASHINGTON, July 20, 2017 (WAFA) - The United States Wednesday expressed concern regarding recent developments and tension at Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem caused by Israel’s installation of metal detectors at the gates leading to the Muslim holy compound.

A statement by the White House press secretary said the US “is very concerned about tensions surrounding the Temple Mount/Haram Al-Sharif, a site holy to Jews, Muslims, and Christians.”

Temple Mount is the Jewish name for Al-Aqsa Mosque while Al-Haram Al-Sharif or Noble Sanctuary is the Muslim reference to the entire 144-dunum walled plaza that includes Al-Aqsa Mosque, the Dome of the Rock and several smaller mosques and structures.

The US “calls upon the State of Israel and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan to make a good faith effort to reduce tensions and to find a solution that assures public safety and the security of the site and maintains the status quo,” said the press secretary, adding, “The United States will continue to closely monitor the developments.”

The decades-old status quo says Al-Haram Al-Sharif is a Muslim-only holy place where non-Muslims can visit but not perform any religious rituals. Its maintenance and administration is also in the hands of Muslims.

M.K.