Biden and King of Jordan Discuss Efforts to De-escalate Tensions in the Middle East

The White House stated that "U.S. President Joe Biden and Jordanian King Abdullah discussed today, Monday, the efforts being made to calm tensions in the Middle East, following Iran’s vow to retaliate against Israel after the death of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran." It added in a statement: "The leaders discussed their efforts to ease tensions in the region, including an immediate ceasefire and a deal for the release of hostages." King Abdullah II warned in a phone call with Biden about "the severity of hostile actions carried out by extremist settlers against Palestinians." The statement from Jordan also noted that King Abdullah cautioned against "unilateral actions that undermine the chances for achieving a just peace and target the existing historical and legal status of Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, which could escalate violence in the region."