Amman: Minister of Foreign and Expatriates Affairs Ayman Safadi announced that Jordan’s efforts to halt Israeli aggression in Gaza and unlawful actions in the occupied West Bank remain steadfast.
According to Jordan News Agency, Safadi briefed lawmakers on Israel’s breach of a prisoner exchange agreement, initially mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the US. He highlighted Israel’s resumption of hostilities in Gaza, blocking humanitarian and medical aid since the start of the month, marking a clear violation of the agreement. Safadi detailed that a joint Egyptian-Qatari operations room, tasked with monitoring compliance, has registered over 900 Israeli violations within the past 40-50 days.
Safadi explained that these violations include military actions resulting in over 70 Gazan deaths and the blockage of vital supplies, such as tents and caravans, needed to shelter displaced Gazans. He pointed out that Israel’s destruction of more than 70% of Gaza’s infrastructure, including homes, schools, streets, and places of worship, has exacerbated conditions by cutting off electricity and targeting water stations, leading to severe shortages.
He emphasized that under King Abdullah II’s leadership, Jordan is committed to urging Israel to cease its aggression and allow humanitarian aid. Safadi condemned the use of food and medicine as weapons, describing it as a war crime and a violation of international law.
Safadi outlined Jordan’s comprehensive diplomatic efforts, engaging with influential global decision-makers, and underscored a unified Arab-Islamic initiative to halt aggression in Gaza. He recounted a recent meeting in Cairo with the Arab-Islamic Committee, established by the Arab-Islamic Summit, which presented an Egyptian initiative backed by both the Arab Summit and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, demonstrating the Arab world’s capability to aid Gaza’s rebuilding without displacing residents.
On the issue of displacement, Safadi reiterated Jordan’s firm opposition, supported by King Abdullah II, against any forced displacement of Palestinians. He criticized Israeli strategies that create unsustainable living conditions for Palestinians, which effectively force them from their homeland.
Jordan’s active engagement with the US, the EU, and other countries is part of a joint Arab-Islamic framework addressing these issues. According to Safadi, the Arab-Islamic Ministerial Committee on Gaza plans to intensify diplomatic outreach to influential capitals to highlight Israel’s violations and call for an end to hostilities, reinforcing commitments from the exchange agreement.
Safadi stressed the necessity to halt aggression by revisiting mediation agreements, noting Israel’s non-compliance and regional tension escalation. He highlighted violence in Lebanon, the escalating situation in the West Bank, and Israel’s actions in Syrian territory, contrasting with Syria’s efforts to build its nation under the 1974 agreement.
Safadi concluded by reaffirming Jordan’s commitment to stopping aggression against Gaza, facilitating humanitarian aid, and pursuing a credible path toward Palestinian statehood, essential for regional peace and stability. He acknowledged the severe implications while asserting efforts to protect Jordan’s national interests amid regional turmoil, emphasizing forthcoming intensified Arab and Islamic cooperation against the aggression.