Jordan’s King Abdullah discusses Gaza developments with leaders of Egypt and Bahrain

Jordan’s King Abdullah discussed the latest developments in Gaza with other leaders in the region on Monday.

During a telephone call with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, the king emphasized the important need to allow more aid to flow into all parts of the territory, the Jordan News Agency reported.

He also thanked Egypt for its ongoing efforts to secure a humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, and stressed the need to avoid any potential escalation of tensions at Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem during Ramadan.

Jordan’s foreign minister, Ayman Safadi, told state media on Monday that Israeli restrictions on access to the mosque compound for Muslim worshippers during the holy month risked an “explosion.” Jordanian authorities say they agree with Palestinians that such limits imposed on people who are already suffering as a result of war and hunger in Gaza constitute an attack on religious freedom.

After Itamar Ben Gvir, Israel’s hard-right-wing security minister, said recently he wanted tougher restrictions on entry to the mosque, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the numbers admitted would be similar to last year.

King Abdullah discussed similar issues during a telephone call with Bahrain’s King Hamad.

Meanwhile, the Jordanian Armed Forces, in collaboration with military personnel from other countries, helped deliver seven airdrops of humanitarian aid to Gaza on Monday, with a focus on northern parts of the territory. A C130 aircraft from the Royal Jordanian Air Force, three US aircraft, an Egyptian aircraft, a French aircraft and a Belgian aircraft took part in the operation.

The army said it would continue to assist with airdrop operations to deliver humanitarian and medical aid. However, the UN’s aid coordinator for the area said that increased deliveries by land remain the best way to reach people in Gaza and provide them with assistance.