Jordan warns against consequences of Gaza amid regional turmoil

AMMAN — Jordan on Monday reiterated that the Palestinian problem is the core issue in the region, and unless a solution is worked out for the conflict, there will be no stability in the Middle East.

During a meeting with German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier, attended by Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh, Prime Minister Abdullah Ensour said that the events currently taking place in the region and in Gaza will have an adverse impact on the countries of the region, calling on Germany to help make peace in the region, the Jordan News Agency, Petra, reported. 

Steinmeier was in Jordan as part of a regional tour that will take him to Israel and the West Bank on a mission to reach a truce to the war waged against Gaza by the Israeli army. 

Regional issues and concerns dominated the discussions of Judeh and his German counterpart on Monday.

At a press conference held in Amman following 90 minutes of bilateral discussions, the two officials said the escalation in Gaza is an issue of concern for both parties.

Judeh said “the region cannot bear anymore turmoil”, and briefed the press on Jordan’s reaction to the escalation in Gaza.

According to Judeh, the Kingdom issued a statement through the United Nations Security Council calling for de-escalation of violence, restoration of calm and a resumption of direct negotiations between Israelis and Palestinians aimed at achieving a comprehensive peace agreement based on a two-state solution.

In addition, Judeh noted that the Jordanian field hospital in Gaza started to receive increased support to deal with rising casualties.

The German official also said Hamas rockets must stop if they hope to facilitate an end to the violence in Gaza.

Steinmeier expressed the view that negotiations are the only alternative for both Israelis and Palestinians, saying “violence should stop”.

Judeh was due to fly to Cairo to take part in an Arab League emergency meeting on Gaza later Monday, he announced.

Meanwhile, the two foreign ministers discussed the Syrian crisis and its impact on Jordan, with both parties stressing the need for a political solution. 

Jordan is a safe haven in a troubled region, Steinmeier told the press. 

“The stability of Jordan is very important, especially in this unstable environment,” he noted, adding that his country appreciates “what Jordan is doing regarding hosting the Syrian refugees”.

The official also stressed that Germany will support Jordan and its efforts in this regard.

“Jordan is the only country that hosted such a huge number of refugees and this solidarity has a price. Thus the country deserves all the respect and we will help Jordan,” Steinmeier said.

Germany’s financial contribution to Jordan, in light of the impact of the crisis, has amounted to an estimated 130 million euros in the past two years, according to the minister.

The top diplomats also discussed organising a conference on Syrian refugees in Jordan. Steinmeier said the European state may consider hosting the event.