Amman – King Abdullah II of Jordan and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer called yesterday, Wednesday, for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the entry of humanitarian aid.
This came during their meeting at the British government headquarters in London, which Abdullah II arrived on Tuesday, as part of an official visit of unannounced duration to the United Kingdom, according to a statement from the Jordanian Royal Court.
The statement said that the two sides stressed “the necessity of an immediate ceasefire in Gaza,” calling for “work to achieve calm and strengthen the humanitarian response in Gaza, by doubling relief aid and ensuring its unhindered access.”
They explained that “the Israeli decision to prevent the activities of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) will exacerbate the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.”
Israel announced on Monday that it had informed the United Nations of the cancellation of the agreement regarding the work of UNRWA, which means banning its activities, if the decision enters into force within three months.
In this context, the King of Jordan and Starmer warned of “the dangerous conditions in the (occupied) West Bank,” stressing “the need to stop acts of violence (carried out by the Israeli army and settlers).”
The statement quoted the King of Jordan as warning that “the continued failure to end the war (Israeli genocide) on Gaza and (the Israeli aggression on) Lebanon threatens to expand the conflict and fuel violence in the entire region.”
Since October 7, 2023, Israel, with absolute American support, has been committing genocide in the Gaza Strip, leaving about 146,000 Palestinians dead and wounded, most of them children and women, and more than 10,000 missing, amid massive destruction and famine that killed dozens of children and the elderly, in one of the worst disasters. Humanity in the world.
Israel continues its massacres, ignoring the UN Security Council resolution to end them immediately, and the orders of the International Court of Justice to take measures to prevent acts of genocide and improve the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza.
The death toll in the West Bank has risen to 777 Palestinians since October 7, 2023, in addition to about 6,300 wounded, according to Anadolu correspondent’s monitoring of Ministry of Health data, as a result of the Israeli army and settlers’ attacks that targeted Palestinians, their property, and their sources of livelihood.
Anatolia
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**Interview with Dr. Amir Jaber, Middle East Policy Analyst**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Jaber. There have been significant developments regarding the situation in Gaza, highlighted by the meeting between King Abdullah II of Jordan and British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. What can you tell us about the importance of their call for a ceasefire?
**Dr. Jaber:** Thank you for having me. The meeting between King Abdullah and Prime Minister Starmer is a crucial diplomatic development. Both leaders understand the urgent need for humanitarian aid to reach the people of Gaza. Their call for an immediate ceasefire not only highlights the pressing humanitarian crisis but also emphasizes the role of international collaboration in seeking resolution and peace in the region.
**Interviewer:** They also mentioned the prevention of UNRWA’s activities. Can you elaborate on why this is particularly concerning?
**Dr. Jaber:** Absolutely. UNRWA plays a vital role in providing assistance to Palestinian refugees, particularly in times of crisis. By restricting their activities, Israel risks exacerbating the existing humanitarian disaster in Gaza. This not only impacts the immediate survival of thousands but also sabotages longer-term stability and recovery efforts.
**Interviewer:** With escalating tensions, how significant is Jordan’s position in the region regarding these issues?
**Dr. Jaber:** Jordan has historically been a key player in advocating for Palestinian rights and stability in the region. King Abdullah’s proactive stance reinforces Jordan’s commitment to humanitarian support and peace talks. It reflects Jordan’s influential diplomatic role and its responsibilities as home to a large Palestinian population.
**Interviewer:** Given the university’s warnings in Jordan about protests supporting Palestine, how do you see public sentiment shifting in response to these ongoing events?
**Dr. Jaber:** The warnings from Hashemite University illustrate a tension between public sentiment and government policy in Jordan. Many citizens feel a strong connection to the Palestinian cause and may be frustrated by perceived limitations on their ability to express solidarity. This could lead to increased pressure on the government to take more decisive actions in advocating for Palestinians.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Jaber, for your insights. It’s clear that the situation is complex and evolving, and the calls from Jordan’s leadership could have a significant impact.
**Dr. Jaber:** Thank you for having me. It’s vital that we continue to monitor these developments closely, as they will undoubtedly shape the humanitarian and political landscape in the Middle East.
