Egypt and Jordan have strongly condemned Israel's demolition of a historic hotel in east Jerusalem, warning in separate statements that it could fuel unrest in the Palestinian territories.
Israel demolished the “Shepherd” hotel in Jerusalem to establish 20 settlement units instead. The action was part of a concerted effort on the part of Israel to isolate the city and render its landmarks as Jewish in character.
Egyptian foreign minister, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, described the act as "a new explosion of violence."
Moreover, Jordanian foreign minister, Nasser Judeh, also issued a harsh statement saying that the his government "rejects and strongly denounces" Sunday's demolition work which could lead to "instability." Jordan urged the international community to intervene and said Israel's action undermines peace efforts.
Egypt and Jordan are the only two Arab states to have signed peace treaties with Israel, which has also faced harsh condemnation from its key ally the United States as well as from the European Union.
Palestinian officials accused Israel of destroying any chance of peace by demolishing the building.
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