The bloodshed in Gaza

Yet again, pricking the conscience of the international community, Israel has unleashed a brutal onslaught against the defenceless Palestinian people in the besieged Gaza Strip.

As Gazans endure the unspeakable horror of the Israeli aggression, which claimed more than 200 lives, displaced 38,000 people and made 2,500 homeless, according to the UN, diplomatic efforts to bring an end to Israel’s bloodbath in Gaza appeared to be gaining momentum. 

Time and again, His Majesty King Abdullah has reminded world nations that the absence of a political solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is the root cause of instability in the region.

During talks held via teleconference with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and French President Emmanuel Macron on Tuesday, King Abdullah stressed the need to put an end to recurring Israeli violations and provocations, which have led to the current escalation and exacerbated conditions. His Majesty reaffirmed the need to protect Palestinians, stop all illegal Israeli violations and measures in Jerusalem, and end the aggression on Gaza.

Also during a phone call with UN Secretary General António Guterres on Monday, the King reiterated that there is no alternative to a political solution that leads to achieving just and comprehensive peace on the basis of the two-state solution that guarantees the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, on the June 4, 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

His Majesty has repeatedly warned against the repercussion of Israeli violations in Jerusalem, especially against Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif, as well as the illegal measures to forcefully displace the families of Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood from their homes.

In regional and international arenas, Jordan has constantly reaffirmed the centrality of the Palestinian cause and the urgency of continuing to strive towards achieving a just and comprehensive peace, accepted by all peoples and in accordance with international law and UN resolutions.

The Kingdom has availed every opportunity to show the suffering of the Palestinian people under Israeli occupation and has been ceaselessly advocating for their rights of statehood.

Jordanians from all walks of life took to streets in the thousands to voice their unwavering solidarity with their Palestinian brethren, a reflection of the centrality of the Palestinian cause for Jordan and Jordanians.  Protests also erupted worldwide against Israel’s brutality against Palestinians, despite attempts by social media giants to censor Palestinian content unmasking Israeli violations.

Jordanians and Jordanian organisations, public and private alike, have joined forces to send much-needed aid to the besieged enclave. 

Upon directives of His Majesty King Abdullah, the Supreme Commander of the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Maj. Gen. Yousef Huneiti instructed the Directorate of Housing Establishment and Military Works, in coordination with the Jordanian Royal Medical Services, to immediately start equipping a new military field hospital in the Gaza Strip.

On Monday, upon Royal directives, the armed forces dispatched a convoy to enhance assistance to Gazans and support the military field hospital’s efforts in Gaza.

As the Israeli aggression on innocent and defenceless Palestinians continues unabated, world capitals must go beyond mere condemnations. It is high time that the international community took immediate action to bring an end to trigger happy occupation forces’ reckless and disproportionate use of force against Palestinians.