Jordan’s King Abdullah and French President Emmanuel Macron met in Paris on Monday to address the escalating crisis in Gaza and the dire humanitarian situation resulting from Israel’s offensive in the region. The leaders emphasized the urgent need for the international community to step up efforts to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza through all available means.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has led to a severe humanitarian crisis, with more than 37,500 Palestinians, including a majority of women and children, losing their lives, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. King Abdullah and President Macron reiterated their commitment to offering continued assistance to the region and stressed the importance of a ceasefire to protect civilians.
Support for Two-State Solution
King Abdullah and Macron highlighted the critical need for a ceasefire and emphasized the protection of civilians in Gaza. They also discussed broader regional issues, with King Abdullah expressing concerns about the potential spillover of the conflict and emphasizing that the two-state solution is the only way to achieve a just and comprehensive peace in the region.
Stability in Lebanon
The leaders also underscored the importance of maintaining stability and security in Lebanon. King Abdullah warned against the continued targeting of relief organizations in Gaza and commended France’s support for UNRWA, which provides essential services to nearly 2 million Palestinians in the region.
Violence in the West Bank
Addressing the situation in the West Bank, King Abdullah condemned the violence by extremist Israeli settlers against Palestinians and cautioned against any unilateral actions that violate the historical and legal status of Jerusalem’s Islamic and Christian holy sites. The king emphasized the need to protect these sacred sites and ensure the rights of all religious communities in the region.
International Support
The meeting was attended by Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and Jordan’s ambassador to France, Leena Al-Hadid. The leaders discussed ways to enhance international support for Gaza and reiterated their commitment to working towards a peaceful resolution of the conflict.
In conclusion, King Abdullah and President Macron’s meeting in Paris highlighted the urgent need for a ceasefire in Gaza and emphasized the importance of providing humanitarian aid to the region. The leaders reaffirmed their commitment to supporting the two-state solution as the pathway to achieving lasting peace in the Middle East. By working together and engaging with the international community, they aim to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and promote stability and security in the region.