Escalating Tensions in Jerusalem: Israeli Settlers Enter Al-Aqsa Mosque Compound.

Escalating tensions and violence at Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque compound over the last few weeks have exacerbated the already strained relations between Jordan and Israel. Jordan’s King Abdullah II is the custodian of the Muslim holy sites in Jerusalem. The Al-Aqsa Mosque compound is the third holiest site for Muslims and the holiest site for Jews. Israel, Jordan, the U.S. and other key players in the region ramped up their efforts to de-escalate tensions ahead of the holy month of Ramadan. Tensions continued to escalate as the Jordanian and Israeli governments exchanged statements blaming each other for being responsible for the escalation.