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• His Majesty warns that the massive destruction of a relentless war in Gaza threatens more people, holds back progress toward a better global future
• King stresses the need for climate response to be inclusive of the most vulnerable
• King highlights Jordan’s key climate-related projects, including the National Water Conveyance Project, which will rely on renewable energy

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Friday participated in the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP28, held in the United Arab Emirates.

King Abdullah said, “We cannot talk about climate change in isolation from the humanitarian tragedies unfolding around us”, pointing to the immediate threat to Palestinian’s lives and wellbeing, according to a Royal Court statement.

“In Gaza, where people are living with little clean water; and the bare minimum of food supplies, climate threats magnify the devastation of war”, His Majesty said.

The King stressed the need for climate response to be inclusive of the most vulnerable, including Palestinians that were severely impacted by the war on Gaza, populations around the world that are affected by conflict and poverty, and refugee families and host communities, in our region and beyond.

His Majesty said over 1.7 million Palestinians have been displaced from their homes, and tens of thousands have been injured or killed in the war on Gaza.

“Jordan has brought together all international partners to coordinate on mechanisms for the sustainable provision of food supplies to the Strip,” the King said.

His Majesty warned that “the massive destruction of a relentless war in Gaza threatens more people and holds back progress toward a better global future.

Highlighting Jordan’s key climate-related projects, the King said the National Water Conveyance Project in Jordan will rely on renewable energy.

“Our National Energy Strategy aims to generate 31 percent of electricity from renewables by 2030,” His Majesty noted.

Following is the full text of His Majesty’s speech:

“In the name of God, the Compassionate, the Merciful

My dear brother, Your Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan,

Mr Secretary General,

Mr President,

I would like to first express my deep thanks and appreciation to my brother His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed and the United Arab Emirates for successfully organising this international summit.

My friends:

This year’s Conference of the Parties must recognise, even more than ever, that we cannot talk about climate change in isolation from the humanitarian tragedies unfolding around us.

As we speak, the Palestinian people are facing an immediate threat to their lives and wellbeing. In Gaza, over 1.7 million Palestinians have been displaced from their homes. Tens of thousands have been injured or killed. 

In a region already on the frontlines of climate change, the massive destruction of war makes the environmental threats of water scarcity and food insecurity even more severe.

In Gaza, where people are living with little clean water; and the bare minimum of food supplies, climate threats magnify the devastation of war.

So, my friends, as we meet here today to talk about inclusivity in climate response, let’s be inclusive of the most vulnerable:

Palestinians, severely impacted by the war on Gaza.

Populations around the world, affected by conflict and poverty.

And refugee families and host communities, in our region and beyond.

To address the real dangers of food insecurity in Gaza, Jordan has brought together all international partners to coordinate on mechanisms for the sustainable provision of food supplies to the Strip.

And as a country where refugees make up over a third of our population, we launched the Climate-Refugee Nexus last year. This global initiative prioritises climate-related support and investments for refugee-hosting nations. We are truly grateful for the 58 countries that have supported this initiative so far. But much more needs to be done.

My friends,

Jordan contributes a slim 0.06 per cent to global greenhouse gases, yet, we are greatly impacted by global climate change, which has caused threats to our scarce water resources, food sources and eco-diversity.

Today, Jordan’s most ambitious and vital projects relate to water. A major national water project envisions desalinating Red Sea water from the Gulf of Aqaba and channelling it to major population areas.

The National Water Conveyance Project will rely on renewable energy, a field where we have made significant strides. Our National Energy Strategy aims to generate 31 per cent of electricity from renewables by 2030. Hybrid and electric vehicles represent 18 per cent of our transport system.

In other climate action, research at the Aqaba Marine Park will explore the unique resilience of the Red Sea’s coral reefs to benefit the conservation and regeneration of coral reefs around the world. And I look forward to attending an event tomorrow on-board the OceanXplorer vessel to highlight this initiative.

Nationally, with a strong talent pool of young entrepreneurs and qualified engineers, we are pressing forward with solutions in climate-smart agriculture, water conservation, clean energy innovations, and more. And some of our innovators are showcasing their work here at COP28.

Jordan also launched its Green Finance Strategy, the first in the region, and we issued our first green bond earlier this year.

So, my friends,

Despite the challenges, Jordan has set an example in the region as a climate-action pioneer and is emerging as a green tech hub.

Yet, just as the impact of climate change does not take place in a vacuum, no country’s response succeeds alone.

The Global Stocktake has shown us that our world is still far behind in achieving the goals set by the Paris Agreement.

As we work to catch up on the lost time and progress, we cannot forget the most vulnerable.

Conflict-ridden communities, refugees, and developing countries must not be left alone to face a global problem. Nor can we stand by, as the massive destruction of a relentless war in Gaza threatens more people and holds back progress toward a better global future.

Current and future generations will hold us all accountable.

Allow me to conclude by expressing, once again, my thanks to my brother His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed for the United Arab Emirates’ innovative role in galvanising international efforts to counter the impact of climate change on our world.

Thank you very much.”

The Jordanian delegation to the conference included Prime Minister Bisher Khasawneh, Director of the Office of His Majesty Jafar Hassan, and Environment Minister Muawieh Radaideh.

AMMAN - His Majesty King Abdullah, during a meeting with Ireland Taoiseach Leo Varadkar on Friday, warned against the dangerous repercussions of the continued aggression on Gaza, and the deterioration of the humanitarian situation there.

At the meeting, held on the sidelines of the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP28 in Dubai, King Abdullah called for pushing for an immediate ceasefire, and ending the siege to allow the delivery of humanitarian and relief aid to Gaza residents, who are living through a real catastrophe, according to a Royal Court statement.

His Majesty said Jordan is working relentlessly to alleviate the outcomes of the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, by closely coordinating with UN and international organisations on the provision and delivery of the maximum possible volume of humanitarian and relief aid.

The King also met with Armenian President Vahagn Khachaturyan and UK Labour Party Leader Sir Keir Starmer separately, on the sidelines of the COP28.

Prime Minister Bisher Khasawneh, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, and Director of the Office of His Majesty Jafar Hassan attended the meetings.

AMMAN – His Majesty King Abdullah and Bulgarian President Rumen Radev on Friday discussed the deteriorating situation in Gaza, and means of stopping the ongoing war there.

At the meeting, held on the sidelines of the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP28 in Dubai, King Abdullah reiterated the need to push for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire in Gaza, protect unarmed civilians and hospitals, and prevent the forced displacement of Gazans, according to a Royal Court statement.

His Majesty stressed that the catastrophic situation in Gaza necessitate the entire world to push towards maximising humanitarian and relief aid, and ensuring its uninterrupted delivery to the Strip.

For his part, President Radev commended Jordan’s pivotal role, under the King’s leadership, in pursuit of regional peace.

Prime Minister Bisher Khasawneh, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, and Director of the Office of His Majesty Jafar Hassan attended the meeting.

AMMAN – His Majesty King Abdullah, during a meeting on Friday with France President Emmanuel Macron, reiterated that the resumption of Israeli bombing in Gaza will exacerbate the humanitarian catastrophe, calling on the international community and active players to push for a permanent ceasefire.

At the meeting, held on the sidelines of the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP28 in Dubai, King Abdullah stressed the need to allow the continuous and uninterrupted delivery of aid, and allow hospitals to continue operations without being targeted, according to a Royal Court statement.

His Majesty highlighted the “Coordinating Gaza Emergency Relief” international meeting held in Amman on Thursday, stressing that Jordan is working to deliver aid to Gaza residents in all possible methods, including airdrops to the Jordanian field hospital in Gaza.

The King warned against the expansion of ground operations in the Strip, which could lead to catastrophic results and an explosion of the situation, and lead to negative ramifications for the entire region.

Creating conditions that force the displacement of Gaza residents is unacceptable, and must be condemned by all countries, His Majesty added.

For his part, President Macron expressed his country’s keenness to maintain coordination with Jordan on the situation in Gaza, and enhance the response to humanitarian needs there.

Prime Minister Bisher Khasawneh, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, and Director of the Office of His Majesty Jafar Hassan attended the meeting.

AMMAN – His Majesty King Abdullah, during a meeting with UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Friday, warned against the catastrophic outcomes of resuming the Israeli war on Gaza and targeting densely populated areas.

At the meeting, held on the sidelines of the United Nations Climate Change Conference COP28 in Dubai, King Abdullah stressed the need for the international community and active players to push for a ceasefire, and to stop the forced displacement of Gazans, according to a Royal Court statement.

His Majesty expressed rejection of the forced displacement of Gaza residents internally or outside the Strip, noting that the world must grasp the danger of Israeli measures and prevent further massacres that nobody can accept or tolerate, which will also negatively impact the region.

The King reiterated the need to allow the uninterrupted delivery of sufficient relief and medical aid to Gaza, stressing the need to sustain hospital operations, as well as maintain electricity, water, and fuel supplies, without interruptions.

His Majesty said Jordan is working to enhance international coordination to maximise humanitarian aid to Gaza, and ensure the uninterrupted delivery of supplies, highlighting the “Coordinating Gaza Emergency Relief” meeting held in Amman on Thursday, with the participation of international organisations, UN agencies, and representatives of Arab and foreign countries.

For his part, Prime Minister Sunak commended Jordan’s humanitarian role in delivering aid to Gaza, and providing medical services to the Strip through the two field hospitals there.

Prime Minister Bisher Khasawneh, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, and Director of the Office of His Majesty Jafar Hassan attended the meeting. 

AMMAN — The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday condemned the resumption of the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip.

Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson Ambassador Sufyan Qudah affirmed in a statement the Kingdom's strong rejection and condemnation of the Israeli aggression on Gaza, urging the international community to shoulder its responsibility, restrain Israel from committing further crimes against civilians and halt its senseless war on Gaza.

In a statement, Qudah emphasised the necessity of respecting international law and humanitarian law, providing international protection for the Palestinian people and intensifying efforts to stop the escalating war on Gaza.

Qudah stressed that the resumption of Israeli airstrikes on Gaza exacerbates the humanitarian catastrophe in the region, underlining the urgent need to halt this devastating aggression that has claimed the lives of thousands of innocent people, especially women and children. He renewed the call for the international community to act immediately to impose a ceasefire.

• King Abdullah says humanitarian aid currently delivered to Gaza does not cover relief needs on the ground
• His Majesty urges participants to work collectively to deliver aid within sustainable methods that build on current efforts

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Thursday held an international meeting in Amman on “Coordinating Gaza Emergency Relief”, with the participation of representatives of international organisations and UN agencies, as well as Arab and foreign countries.

At the meeting, attended by Her Majesty Queen Rania and HRH Crown Prince Hussein, King Abdullah said humanitarian aid currently delivered to Gaza does not cover relief needs on the ground, according to a Royal Court statement.

His Majesty called for maintaining coordination between all international stakeholders to bridge gaps, avoid the duplication of efforts, and identify the challenges in the Strip, urging participants to work collectively to deliver aid within sustainable methods that build on current efforts.

For their part, participants commended Jordan’s efforts, under the King’s leadership, in bringing together all the concerned stakeholders to coordinate the humanitarian response in Gaza.

At the meeting, held as part of the “Aqaba Process” initiative, they highlighted the need for the international community to push for ensuring the suitable conditions that guarantee a quick and uninterrupted delivery of aid to Gaza.

Participants discussed the current humanitarian situation in Gaza, and the need to respect international law and provide basic necessities, including food, water, medicine, shelter and energy, highlighting the current efforts of their agencies and countries, as well as the challenges they face in aid delivery, and means of overcoming them.

In addition, attendees identified aid priorities and urgent needs on the ground in Gaza, including the needed logistics for aid delivery and distribution, as well as allocating resources quickly and efficiently.

The meeting saw the participation of high-level representatives of over 30 international humanitarian organisations, including the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, the World Food Programme, UNRWA, UNICEF, the World Health Organisation, UN Women, the United Nations Office for Project Services and the International Committee of the Red Cross, in addition to representatives of over 30 Arab and foreign countries.

Their Royal Highnesses Prince Ghazi Bin Muhammad, His Majesty’s chief adviser for religious and cultural affairs and personal envoy, and Prince Rashid Bin El Hassan, adviser to His Majesty and chairperson of the board of trustees of the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organisation, and a number of senior Jordanian officials attended the meeting.

AMMAN — The conference of the leading network of French independent travel agencies, “Selector 2023”, kicked off in Amman on Thursday.

Makram Al Qaisi, minister of tourism and antiquities and head of the Jordan Tourism Board, said that organising the conference in Jordan underlines the global recognition of the Kingdom’s strategic importance in the international tourism arena. 

“Amid regional turmoil and instability, this conference reaffirms Jordan’s role as a foundation of regional and global stability,” Qaisi said.

He highlighted the country’s religious, historical and touristic landmarks, emphasising the diversity of Jordanian tourism, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra.

Fadi Abu Arish, CEO of the Thuraya Travel and Tourism Company, which is the conference’s organiser, stressed that the event will witness the participation of approximately 600 professionals. ”It is unique opportunity to showcase Jordan’s beauty and reaffirm its commitment to providing unparalleled tourism experiences.” 

“It is clear that Jordan will remain a safe and attractive destination despite global challenges.”

The Ministry of Tourism and Antiquitie’ figures indicate that Jordan has observed a significant surge in the number of French tourists visiting the Kingdom during this current year, with more than 83,672 visitors compared with 63,605 in 2022. 

The data also showed that French tourists purchased more than 44,891 Jordan Pass tickets.

“Selector 2023”, which will run until December 2, serves as a platform aimed at showcasing Jordan’s diverse attractions.

AMMAN — An official military source from the General Command of the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army (JAF) announced on Thursday that, in alignment with Royal directives, a Royal Air Force aircraft successfully completed the third airdrop of critical medical supplies. 

The urgent medical aid was delivered using parachutes to the Jordanian field hospital in Gaza (Hospital 76), the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported.

This undertaking is a continuation to the ongoing commitment of Jordan to support its brethren amidst the conflict in Gaza which indicated that despite the challenging conditions, the hospital remains fully operational.

JAF, in cooperation with the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organisation, launched an air bridge of 14 aircrafts and convoys to transport humanitarian assistance and medical aid to alleviate the suffering of the people of Gaza.

AMMAN —  A general physician in Jordan was recently referred to the attorney general for performing a “tummy tuck” without a license, according to the Jordan Medical Association (JMA). 

Speaking with The Jordan Times, JMA Board Member Maha Fakhoury explained that this cosmetic surgical procedure, also known as abdominoplasty, involves removing excess skin and fat from the abdomen.

Fakhoury said that the doctor who performed this procedure without a license was arrested and referred to the attorney general, following the collapse of his patient. 

The said doctor performed this procedure at a clinic under local anesthesia instead of general anesthesia, which is illegal, as it endangered the life of the patient, who is currently on a ventilator receiving medical care at a hospital, said Fakhoury. 

She noted that this type of illegal practices emerged in Jordan when cosmetic procedures, such as botox and dermal fillers, became popular. 

She added that some general physicians, dermatologists and even beauticians saw the increased demand on such procedures as an opportunity to make “easy money”. 

“In addition to endangering lives, these illegal practices harm medical tourism, a flourishing sector in Jordan,” Fakhoury stressed. 

She added that the JMA, in cooperation with the Ministry of Health, is working on issuing a system to regulate medical advertisements, particularly on social media platforms, to ensure that no person or institution prays on people’s lack of knowledge or desperation to lure them into undergoing illegal cosmetic procedures. 

Fakhoury pointed out that the JMA receives “hundreds” of complaints related to similar practices every year.

She affirmed the importance of awareness raising, in addition to increasing the capacity of the Licensing of Health Professions and Institutions Directorate to help counter this issue.  

The directorate currently oversees approximately 12,000 private clinics, 70 private hospitals, and almost 3,000 clinics in Jordan, in addition to physiotherapy centres, nutrition centres, and medical laboratories, among other institutions, said Fakhoury. 

There are approximately 44,000 physicians registered at the JMA, including 25,000 practicing doctors, according to Fakhoury, who noted that this number is expected to increase by 38,000 within the next five years. 

She also said that the JMA will publish an updated list of licensed doctors in Jordan and their areas of specialty.