World must step in to stop Israeli assault on Gaza, relieve Palestinians — King

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Thursday reaffirmed Jordan’s stand with the Palestinian people, with all its capabilities, in facing the fallout of the Israeli aggression on Gaza and called on the international community to shoulder its responsibilities to secure protection for the Palestinians and stop the Israeli assault.

More than 750 Palestinians, the majority of whom are civilians, have been killed in Israel’s assault on Gaza, which has continually escalated for more than two weeks now.

During a meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, in the presence of HRH Crown Prince Hussein, King Abdullah said Jordan will continue with its efforts, in coordination with the Palestinian Authority and concerned parties, to stop the Israeli aggression on Gaza.

The King highlighted Jordan’s efforts, through its membership at the UN Security Council, towards the adoption of a resolution that calls for an immediate ceasefire and for the withdrawal of the Israeli occupation forces from Gaza, while drawing attention to the need to support the Egyptian initiative for a ceasefire in Gaza. 

He asserted the Palestinians’ right to set up their own independent state on their national soil, in accordance with the two-state solution and international resolutions. 

The King also said the situation in Gaza should serve as motivation to regain momentum for the Middle East peace process and fill the political vacuum, urging the resumption of negotiations over final status issues. 

He warned against the consequences of continued Israeli unilateral measures, especially in the city of Jerusalem, where sustained acts of aggression have been directed at Al Aqsa Mosque and the surrounding areas. 

Abbas briefed King Abdullah on the latest developments in Gaza, voicing his appreciation for Jordan’s continued efforts to reach a ceasefire and for providing humanitarian assistance and medical care to the people in Gaza. 

In statements to the press following the meeting, Abbas said his meeting with the King was necessary, adding that contact between the two sides has been continuous during the recent conflict.

Abbas said the two sides agree on the need for a ceasefire as a first step, to be followed by negotiations, and added that the Egyptian initiative is the one that should be adopted.

On the possibility of a ceasefire, he said: “So far, there is hope for a ceasefire.” 

Also on Thursday, while chairing part of the Cabinet session convened to discuss the repercussions of the Israeli aggression on Gaza, the King reiterated that the Israeli aggression must stop as soon as possible, stressing Jordan’s rejection of Israel’s policy of collective punishment and targeting civilians. 

“We are working in coordination with our Arab brothers and the international community through the UN Security Council to stop the bloodshed and end the violence and any further escalation.” He stressed Jordan’s continuous support in providing all forms of humanitarian assistance to alleviate the suffering of “our people in Gaza”.

Regarding security challenges at the northern and eastern borders, the King said: “Our military and security precautions at the borders are formidable and efficient and our borders are safe and totally under control.  We are fully prepared to confront any attempts that seek to tamper with Jordan’s security and stability.”

Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour confirmed that the government is exerting all efforts possible to stop the Israeli aggression on Gaza, highlighting intensive diplomatic talks that were held in Amman this week to stop the aggression. He also underscored the medical and humanitarian assistance sent to Gaza in response to the King’s directives. 

Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh detailed the government’s diplomatic efforts and collaboration with the international community to arrive at a ceasefire in Gaza.