Amman: His Majesty King Abdullah II has expressed serious concerns over Israel’s resumption of attacks on Gaza, describing it as a perilous step that exacerbates the already critical humanitarian crisis in the region. This statement was issued during a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Elys©e Palace.
According to Jordan News Agency, King Abdullah urged the international community to take swift action to restore the ceasefire and implement all phases of the peace process. The King emphasized that Israel’s ongoing assaults and the blockade of essential resources like aid, water, and electricity are endangering Palestinian lives and worsening the dire conditions in Gaza. He called for an immediate resumption of humanitarian aid.
The King commended France for supporting the Gaza reconstruction plan introduced at the Extraordinary Arab Summit in Egypt. This plan outlines a strategic framework for rebuilding Gaza while safeguarding Palestinian rights and preventing displacement. He highlighted the importance of his discussions with President Macron, which are part of ongoing efforts to achieve peace and stability in the Middle East, and reiterated Jordan’s commitment to its strategic partnership with France.
King Abdullah also underscored Jordan’s humanitarian efforts, which include providing medical assistance to children from Gaza. He praised France’s role in delivering aid, particularly through airdrop operations, and warned against the forced displacement of Palestinians, which he said could expand the conflict and destabilize the region further.
The King called for an end to Israel’s violations of Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, emphasizing that continued aggression undermines peace prospects. He stressed that a political solution based on a two-state framework is essential for regional security, praising France and Europe’s active role in this endeavor.
On Syria, King Abdullah expressed support for Syria’s efforts to maintain security and stability and called for international assistance to facilitate the safe return of refugees. President Macron echoed these sentiments, expressing readiness to support the Arab leaders’ Gaza reconstruction plan and highlighting the need for political courage to secure a stable future for the region.
Macron emphasized the importance of establishing a Palestinian state as a missing component of the Abrahamic Accords, which he believes would restore Palestinian rights and ensure regional security. He criticized the resumption of Israeli strikes as a significant setback and reaffirmed France’s dedication to a ceasefire in Gaza.
The French President also highlighted the importance of France-Jordan relations, noting the recent EU-Jordan Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership as evidence of their close ties. He commended Jordan’s efforts in regional peace, including its treatment of injured children from Gaza and its support for Syria and counterterrorism initiatives.
Following their statements, King Abdullah and President Macron engaged in discussions to strengthen bilateral cooperation in military, economic, humanitarian, and developmental fields. The talks also focused on regional developments and joint efforts to promote peace and stability in the Middle East, with key Jordanian officials in attendance.