His Majesty King Abdullah said that looking after Jerusalem's holy sites and supporting the steadfastness of its people are “at the centre of our attention” and are a duty for all.

At a meeting with the Hashemite Fund for the Construction of Al Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock's Board of Trustees, the King noted that the fund was launched mainly to institutionalize work for the holy city.

His Majesty urged the fund officials to do their utmost to stand up to the “multifaceted” challenges facing their work.

Announcing a JD1.113 million donation to the fund, His Majesty ordered a month's salary to be dispensed to awqaf officials in Jerusalem, as a gesture of support.

The King discussed with board members problems related to the fund's work and called on all concerned parties to coordinate their efforts and consult over any hurdles blocking projects planned for the holy places.

The administratively and financially independent fund was established by the King last year. Sunday's meeting was the first by its board of trustees, chaired by HRH Prince Ghazi.

In his remarks at the meeting, Prince Ghazi stressed the need for coordination among parties concerned with Jerusalem's holy sites.