During a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron in Aqaba on Thursday, King Abdullah of Jordan stressed the need for the international community to push for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the protection of civilians.
He warned that if the Israeli aggression in Gaza continues it will have disastrous repercussions on the entire region, the Jordan News Agency reported, and called for immediate action to ensure aid is delivered to the people of Gaza, who are facing a humanitarian catastrophe.
The king condemned violence by extremist settlers against Palestinians in the West Bank, and violations of Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, which he said could lead to chaos.
He reaffirmed Jordan’s rejection of the forced displacement of Palestinians from the West Bank and Gaza and warned against any attempts to prevent the West Bank and Gaza Strip from jointly forming a Palestinian state.
“There will be no peace nor stability without a just solution to the Palestinian issue on the basis of a two-state solution that fulfills the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people,” King Abdullah said.
He also highlighted the important role France and the EU can play in support of a two-state solution by stepping up their efforts to help create a political atmosphere that can lead to a just, comprehensive and lasting peace.
Macron commended Jordan for its efforts to help secure peace, based on a two-state solution, that can guarantee regional security and stability. He also highlighted Jordan’s important role in improving international coordination of the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, and maximizing the benefits, and the work the country is doing to provide medical assistance through two field hospitals in the Strip.
The president said France wants to bring children from Gaza who have cancer to France for hospital treatment and noted that authorities in other European countries are similarly interested in providing medical care for wounded Gazan children.
“France is keen on increasing humanitarian aid for Gaza, in coordination with Jordan, and welcomes the announcement of procedures to facilitate aid delivery to Gaza through Karm Abu Salem crossing,” Macron added.
Also present at the meeting between the leaders were Jordan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, France’s Ambassador to Jordan Alexis Le Cour Grandmaison, and other officials from both countries.