Jordanian King Abdullah II and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas emphasized the necessity of stopping the escalation in Gaza and the West Bank during their meeting at the Husseiniya Palace today, Thursday. The two leaders stressed "the importance of opening urgent humanitarian corridors to provide medical and relief assistance to Gaza and to ensure the supply of water and electricity, as well as not obstructing the efforts of international organizations in delivering humanitarian services, as guaranteed by international charters and international humanitarian law."
King Abdullah warned against "the policy of collective punishment towards the residents of Gaza," affirming the "necessity to respect international humanitarian law and not violate international law by targeting innocent civilians." He noted that "Jordan is making intensive efforts with active parties and regional and international partners to discuss urgent international action to stop the escalation, protect Palestinians, and prevent their displacement," confirming "Jordan's support for the Palestinian National Authority as a representative of the Palestinian people."
He stressed that "the Kingdom will spare no effort in standing by our Palestinian brothers and providing and delivering urgent humanitarian and medical assistance to Gaza." The Jordanian monarch reiterated that "the region will not enjoy security and stability as long as a just and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution is not achieved, which ensures the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with sovereignty along the lines of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital."
For his part, President Abbas expressed his gratitude to King Abdullah for his steadfast positions and Jordan's support for and solidarity with the Palestinian people and their just cause. Abbas reiterated the importance of "obligating Israel to respect the historical and legal status in the holy city of Jerusalem," emphasizing the significance of the Hashemite guardianship over holy sites.
Jordanian helicopters arrived today in Ramallah to transport President Mahmoud Abbas and several Palestinian Authority officials to Amman to meet with King Abdullah. President Abbas will meet with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken tomorrow, Friday, as Israeli assaults on Gaza continue following the "Al-Aqsa Flood" operation launched by Hamas last Saturday.
