King, Palestinian president warn of exacerbating humanitarian crisis in Gaza

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, during a meeting at Al Husseiniya Palace on Thursday, called for ending the escalation in Gaza and the West Bank.

King Abdullah and the Palestinian president urged opening humanitarian corridors to allow for the entry of urgent medical and relief aid to Gaza, and the provision of water and electricity, while also removing obstacles facing international agencies providing humanitarian services guaranteed by international humanitarian law, according to a Royal Court statement.

His Majesty warned against inflicting collective punishment on the residents of the Gaza Strip, stressing the need to respect international humanitarian law and not to target innocent civilians.

The King said Jordan is making intensive efforts with regional and international partners to discuss urgent international action to stop the escalation, protect the Palestinians, and prevent their displacement.

His Majesty and President Abbas warned of exacerbating the humanitarian crisis and the impact of a spillover of the violence on the entire region.

The King and the Palestinian president also urged maintaining close Arab coordination and uniting efforts to prevent the deterioration of the situation in Gaza.

His Majesty reaffirmed Jordan’s support for the Palestinian National Authority as the representative of the Palestinian people.

The King also stressed that Jordan will spare no effort in standing by the Palestinian people and providing humanitarian and medical assistance to the Gaza Strip.

His Majesty reaffirmed the Kingdom’s unwavering position towards the Palestinian cause and the just and legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, stressing commitment to safeguarding Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem under the Hashemite Custodianship.

The King reiterated that the region cannot enjoy peace nor stability without just and comprehensive peace on the basis of the two-state solution, which guarantees the establishment of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state on the 4 June 1967 lines with occupied East Jerusalem as its capital.

President Abbas thanked His Majesty for his firm position in support of the Palestinian people and their just cause.

The Palestinian president reiterated the importance of having Israel respect the historical and legal status quo in Jerusalem, noting the key role of the Hashemite Custodianship.

Prime Minister Bisher Khasawneh, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Director of the Office of His Majesty Jafar Hassan, General Intelligence Department Director Maj. Gen. Ahmad Husni, and the delegation accompanying President Abbas attended the meeting.