FM engages in extensive diplomacy to end Gaza war

AMMAN — Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh on Thursday discussed with several officials and diplomats ways to stop the bloodshed in Gaza, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

In a telephone conversation, Judeh and US Secretary of State John Kerry reviewed the latest developments in Gaza and efforts exerted to reach a ceasefire. 

Judeh asserted Jordan’s rejection and condemnation of Israel’s targeting of Palestinian civilians, including women, children and the elderly, expressing Jordan’s resentment of the failure to achieve a ceasefire. 

The two officials highlighted their support for the efforts of the Egyptians and UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. 

Judeh briefed Kerry on the outcomes of His Majesty King Abdullah’s talks on Wednesday with the UN secretary general and his meeting on Thursday with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, stressing the importance of intensive coordination to arrive at a ceasefire. 

He pointed to Israel’s continued violations at Al Aqsa Mosque, stressing the need to stop them. 

Also on Thursday, Judeh received a telephone call from his Egyptian counterpart Sameh Shoukry, during which the two sides discussed efforts under way to stop the Israeli aggression on Gaza. 

Shoukry briefed Judeh on the outcomes of his talks with Kerry, who is currently in Cairo, British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond and the UN chief.

Judeh and Shoukry discussed the six points that have been raised as Palestinian conditions to a truce, which include the issues of crossings, ending the blockade on Gaza, salary payment, marine borders, the port issue and the release of Palestinian detainees.  

During a telephone call with Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, the two diplomats discussed regional issues, including the developments in Iraq and Syria, with focus on the serious developments in Gaza and the continued Israeli aggression on the strip. 

The two sides asserted the need to reach a ceasefire, protect civilians and respect the international law on humanitarian rights. 

During a call with Lebanese Foreign Minister Gibran Bassil, Judeh stressed Jordan’s concern about the stability and security of Lebanon and its people, highlighting the importance of coordintion regarding the Syrian file, especially that Jordan and Lebanon are hosting the largest number of Syrian refugees. 

Bassil expressed Lebanon’s concern about recent challenges and dangers facing Christains in the region. In this regard, Judeh emphasised Jordan’s position on the need to protect Christians, stressing the Kingdom’s rejection of any attempts to harm them or undermine their rights.