Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: Urgent Call for Ceasefire and Humanitarian Aid
During a recent visit to Jordan, the King of Jordan addressed the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict and called for a swift ceasefire and urgent humanitarian aid. As both countries commemorate 75 years of strategic partnership, the King expressed his disappointment in marking this milestone amidst a devastating war in Gaza.
The King highlighted the dire situation in Gaza, where nearly 100,000 people have been killed, injured, or reported missing, with a majority being women and children. He emphasized the urgent need to prevent further catastrophe, particularly an Israeli attack on Rafah, which would exacerbate the already unbearable conditions faced by more than a million people since the start of the war.
The King urged immediate action to establish a lasting ceasefire, as well as to ensure the sustainable delivery of sufficient aid to Gaza through all possible entry points and mechanisms. He acknowledged the support of the President in this regard, emphasizing the need to address the restrictions on vital relief aid and medical items, which are contributing to inhumane conditions.
Expressing concern over the potential threat of Palestinian displacement beyond the borders of Gaza and the West Bank, the King underscored the importance of preventing such a scenario. Additionally, he stressed the need to address the situation in the West Bank and in Jerusalem's holy sites. The King noted that nearly 400 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since October 7th, including almost 100 children, while over 4,000 have been injured.
The King warned against the escalation of extremist settler activities in the West Bank and Jerusalem's holy sites, as well as the expansion of illegal settlements, which he believes will lead to chaos in the entire region. He expressed his concern about the limited access faced by Muslim worshippers at Al-Aqsa Mosque and the increasing restrictions and threats faced by Christian churches.
Rejecting a separation between the West Bank and Gaza, the King emphasized the need for a political horizon to achieve peace. He highlighted that military and security solutions are not the answer and called for efforts to create a just and comprehensive peace, based on the two-state solution. The King reiterated the importance of an independent, sovereign, and viable Palestinian state, with East Jerusalem as its capital, living in peace and security alongside Israel.
The King praised the leadership of the President and expressed Jordan's readiness to work towards peace. He urged the international community and Arab partners to join forces in reaching a ceasefire in Gaza and working towards a sustainable solution.
As the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the international community will respond to the urgent calls for a ceasefire and the delivery of humanitarian aid to effectively address the dire situation on the ground.
