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Saudi, Jordan stress political solution to Gaza crisis

Crown Prince Mohammed and King Abdullah spoke about the necessity of finding a political solution to the Palestinian crisis based on the two-state solution, which guarantees the establishment of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state…reports Asian Lite News

Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Jordan’s King Abdullah II yesterday engaged in discussions regarding regional developments, particularly focusing on the Middle East and Gaza.

The crown prince expressed Saudi Arabia’s support for the measures taken by the Jordanian government to maintain Jordan’s security and stability, the Saudi Press Agency reported, and the king expressed his appreciation for Saudi Arabia’s supportive stance.

Prince Mohammed and the king spoke about the necessity of finding a political solution to the Palestinian crisis based on the two-state solution, which guarantees the establishment of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state along 1967 borders and with East Jerusalem as its capital, the Jordanian news agency Petra reported.

The crown prince and King Abdullah also discussed relations between the Kingdom and Jordan. The king expressed to Prince Mohammed “his pride in the level of Jordanian-Saudi relations, and his keenness to consolidate them in all fields,” Petra said.

Earlier, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi urged the international community to act to end the crisis in Gaza Strip and stop the dangerous Israeli aggression, which has violated all international charters, treaties, and agreements.

 Via an audiovisual call at the European Council on Foreign Relations (ECFR) with EU Special Representative for the Gulf Region Luigi di Maio and several other European officials and senior specialists in international relations about the situation in Gaza Strip and the future of Gulf-European ties in light of the current geopolitical challenges, Albudaiwi stressed that the dangerous situation in Gaza has led to growing instability in the region and the world, with grave repercussions, and that global cooperation is needed to stop this crisis.

 He also said that it is crucial to provide urgent humanitarian and relief support to Palestinians in Gaza Strip.

 Albudaiwi praised the progress made in all aspects of Gulf-European relations, and stressed that it is important to increase dialogue and cooperation to address common challenges and support stability in the region.

 He further highlighted the numerous promising opportunities to establish a solid strategic partnership by bolstering Gulf-European relations, saying that continued discussions and dialogue help facilitate the exchange of views and promote mutual understanding, and contribute to achieving security and stability.

IDF presses offensive in Khan Yunis

Israel continued to press its offensive against Hamas in Khan Yunis. The forces struck militant infrastructure in the city’s Al Amal and ‘Abasan al Jadida neighbourhoods, killing militants with tank fire and seizing weapons.

Khan Yunis, Gaza’s second-largest city, is widely regarded as a personal stronghold of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.

After numerous rocket launches were identified crossing from Gaza into Israel on Wednesday, the IDF struck the sources of the fire along with additional launchers and militant infrastructure.

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden on Thursday told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that America’s support of Israel’s war in Gaza would be determined by the latter announcing and implementing a “series of specific, concrete, and measurable steps to address civilian harm, humanitarian suffering, and the safety of aid workers”.

The US President also called for an “immediate ceasefire” to stabilize and improve the humanitarian situation there.

The two leaders spoke on the phone amidst growing outrage around the world over the killing of six aid workers of Spanish American chef and restaurateur Jose Andres’s World Central Kitchen.

Earlier, the Israel Defence Forces apologized for the attack, saying the strike resulted from a “misidentification.”

Seven workers from the World Central Kitchen were killed on Monday night when their convoy delivering food was struck in Deir al-Balah. The incident led the US-based organization to suspend its operations in Gaza.

“I want to be very clear–the strike was not carried out with the intention of harming WCK aid workers. It was a mistake that followed a misidentification–at night during a war in very complex conditions. It shouldn’t have happened,” said IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi in a video statement.

“This incident was a grave mistake. Israel is at war with Hamas, not with the people of Gaza,” Halevi asserted. “We are sorry for the unintentional harm to the members of WCK.”

Halevi said the incident would be independently investigated with the findings to be presented “in the coming days.”

ALSO READ-Biden slams Netanyahu over Gaza

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Jordan Pledges Humanitarian Aid for Gaza Amid Conflict

The king noted that Jordan will continue to provide humanitarian, relief, and medical assistance to the people in Gaza, the statement added…reports Asian Lite News

King Abdullah II of Jordan has warned that a continued war in Gaza during the holy month of Ramadan could risk expanding the conflict.

King Abdullah made the remarks on Sunday at a meeting in Amman with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, during which he called for maximum efforts to reach an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza, and to protect innocent civilians, Xinhua news agency reported, citing a statement by the Royal Hashemite Court.

The king noted that Jordan will continue to provide humanitarian, relief, and medical assistance to the people in Gaza, the statement added.

The king reiterated Jordan’s rejection of any attempts to separate the West Bank and the Gaza Strip, while urging the continuation of Arab coordination to find a just solution to the Palestinian issue based on the two-state solution.

Abbas, for his part, voiced appreciation for Jordan’s steadfast position on the Hamas-Israel conflict, stressing the need to continue close coordination and consultation between the two sides to serve the Palestinian cause and protect holy sites in the city.

Jordan and Bulgaria Affirm Commitment to Gaza

Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi has said that the Kingdom would continue to work extensively to ensure adequate aid reaches the Gaza Strip.

Safadi made the remarks on Sunday during a joint press conference with Bulgaria’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Mariya Gabriel in Amman, during which he stressed Jordan’s ongoing efforts to ensure sufficient entry of aid into Gaza, Xinhua news agency reported.

Safadi added that Gabriel’s visit provided an opportunity to discuss ways to strengthen the two countries’ already strong bilateral ties while highlighting a number of areas in which Jordan and Bulgaria’s cooperation could be enhanced, particularly in the fields of education and tourism, the state-run Al Mamlaka TV reported.

During the press conference, Safadi also emphasized the urgent need to halt the ongoing Israeli attacks in Gaza.

The two sides discussed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the efforts to coordinate the delivery of aid to the Palestinian enclave, according to the report.

Safadi reiterated that Jordan and Bulgaria share the belief that the two-state solution is the only way to achieve security, peace, and stability in the region.

Gabriel voiced her support for Jordan in formulating a peace plan, stressing Bulgaria’s concern about the humanitarian situation in Gaza and its support for allowing access for humanitarian workers as well as the implementation of the two-state solution.

She said that her visit to Jordan was a message to strengthen political dialogue between the two countries, expand strategic cooperation, and coordinate efforts to provide solutions to regional and global challenges.

ALSO READ-Jordan king urges ‘lasting’ Gaza ceasefire in talks with Biden

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Jordan king urges ‘lasting’ Gaza ceasefire in talks with Biden

The two leaders both warned however against any indiscriminate Israeli ground incursion into Gaza’s southern city of Rafah…reports Asian Lite News

Jordan’s King Abdullah II appealed for a full ceasefire to end the Gaza war after talks with Joe Biden, striking a discordant note with the US president who is seeking a shorter six-week pause to give Israel time to defeat Hamas.

Speaking at the White House, the two leaders both warned however against any indiscriminate Israeli ground incursion into Gaza’s southern city of Rafah, where more than a million Palestinians are trapped.

“We cannot afford an Israeli attack on Rafah. It is certain to produce another humanitarian catastrophe,” said the Jordanian monarch, taking the lectern after Biden had spoken first.

“We cannot stand by and let this continue. We need a lasting ceasefire now — this war must end,” added Abdullah, who has repeatedly pushed for a full truce to end the conflict that started when Hamas attacked Israel on October 7.

The United States has angered some Middle East allies by consistently refusing to call for a full ceasefire, with Washington saying that it backs Israel’s drive to defeat Hamas, and calling for shorter pauses with hostage deals instead.

But Biden, who is seeking reelection in November, has started to take a harder line with Israel on civilian casualties, saying last week that Israel’s offensive was “over the top.”

“The United States is working on a hostage deal between Israel and Hamas, which would bring in mediate and sustained period of calm to Gaza for at least six weeks,” Biden said, adding that key elements were in place but “gaps” remained.

The warring parties could then “take the time to build something more enduring.”

Biden also said civilians sheltering in Rafah, on the Egyptian border, “need to be protected” as Israel considers a ground incursion.

It was Biden and Abdullah’s first face-to-face meeting since the October 7 attack, with the US president hailing his fellow head of state as a key player in a turbulent middle East.

Flanked by US and Jordanian flags, Biden and the king had earlier embraced as they met on the front steps of the White House, accompanied by First Lady Jill Biden, Queen Rania and Jordanian Crown Prince Hussein.

Biden joked during the arrival ceremony that “everybody does” when asked if Benjamin Netanyahu was following his advice on avoiding an offensive in Rafah.

The two leaders also discussed efforts to ensure that the conflict does not spread across a volatile region. Three US troops were killed in a drone attack on a base in Jordan in January, triggering American airstrikes against Iranian-backed militant groups in Iraq and Syria.

Washington is the first stop of a tour by the Jordanian king that will also take in Canada, France and Germany, amid mounting international efforts for a deal to pause fighting in Gaza and free hostages held there by Hamas.

The bloodiest ever Gaza war broke out after Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on southern Israel that resulted in the deaths of about 1,160 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.

Israel has responded with a relentless bombardment and ground offensive in Gaza that the Palestinian territory’s Hamas-run health ministry says has killed at least 28,340 people, mostly women and children.

Biden on Monday notably referred to the fact that there were “over 27,000 Palestinians killed,” apparently accepting the Palestinian toll having questioned it back in October, and said that “too many” were children.

Biden was meant to travel to Jordan for talks with Abdullah when he visited Israel less than two weeks after the initial attack last year, but the meeting was canceled after an explosion at a Gaza hospital caused anger across the Arab world.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met Abdullah in Amman in January. The Jordanian monarch urged the top diplomat to push for a ceasefire in Gaza and end the humanitarian crisis there.

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Jordan Denies Involvement in US Iraq Airstrikes

The Jordanian Armed Forces said it respects the sovereignty of Iraq…reports Asian Lite News

Jordan has denied any involvement in the airstrikes carried out by the US Air Force targeting Iraq, the state media reported.

“There is not truth in news reports regarding involvement of Jordanian aircraft in the operations conducted by US planes inside Iraq,” source at the General Command of the Jordan Armed Forces-Arab Army, Petra news agency reported.

Emphasising on the depth of relations between Jordan and all Arab countries, the Jordanian Armed Forces said it respects the sovereignty of Iraq, Xinhua news agency reported.

It appealed to the citizens not to indulge in rumours and to obtain information from official sources.

ALSO READ: Qatar Spearheads Peace Talks, Holds Sway with Israel and Hamas

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Jordan Base Drone Attack Claims Lives of 3 US Troops, Injures 25

US President Joe Biden says that while facts are still being gathered, the attack was carried out by Iran-backed military groups operating in Syria and Iraq….reports Asian Lite News

Three US troops were killed and 25 injured in a drone attack on a US base in Jordan, the US announced.

The deaths in the base, near the Syrian border, were the first of US service personnel in the region since the Hamas-Israel war broke out on October 7. However, there were variant reports of where the attack exactly took place – in Jordan or Syria.

US President Joe Biden says that while facts are still being gathered, the attack was carried out by Iran-backed military groups operating in Syria and Iraq.

“Today, America’s heart is heavy”, he said, adding the soldiers’ “ultimate sacrifice will never be forgotten by our nation”.

“And have no doubt – we will hold all those responsible to account at a time and in a manner our choosing.”

“We will carry on their commitment to fight terrorism. And have no doubt — we will hold all those responsible to account at a time and in a manner of our choosing,” Biden said on January 28.

ALSO READ: Saudi: No Normalisation Without Palestinian State

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Jordan, Palestine, Egypt Reject Any Israeli Plans to Displace Palestinians

The rejection was reiterated on Wednesday during a trilateral summit held in Jordan’s Aqaba…reports Asian Lite News

Jordan, Egypt and Palestine have stressed their rejection of any Israeli plans to displace Palestinians in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

The rejection was reiterated on Wednesday during a trilateral summit held in Jordan’s Aqaba, where King Abdullah II of Jordan, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas also called for international condemnation of and actions against such plans, Xinhua news agency reported.

They stressed the need for continuing pressure on Israel to stop its aggression on Gaza and protect the innocent civilians in the strip, according to a statement by Jordan’s Royal Hashemite Court.

Meanwhile, the Egyptian President called for “a decisive stance” from the international community to push for a ceasefire in the besieged enclave and explained the efforts made by Egypt to open dialogue with all concerned parties to reach a truce agreement in Gaza.

The leaders also expressed complete rejection of any attempts to liquidate the Palestine issue and to separate Gaza and the West Bank, both of which are integral parts of the Palestinian state, the statement added.

At the summit, the three leaders reiterated the importance of ensuring sufficient delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza to alleviate the dire humanitarian situation in the enclave.

King Abdullah II, Sisi and Abbas also voiced “complete rejection of any attempts to reoccupy parts of Gaza,” stressing the necessity of “enabling the people of the Gaza Strip to return to their homes”.

Noting Israel’s hostilities in the West Bank, as well as its violations of Islamic and Christian sanctities in Jerusalem, the leaders warned that such actions could escalate tensions in the region.

The three heads of state agreed to continue working together in coordination with Arab and influential countries to find a political horizon for resolving the Palestine issue to achieve a just and comprehensive peace based on a two-state solution, which entails restoring the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and ensuring the establishment of their independent and sovereign state on the 1967 border and with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Before the summit, the Jordanian king held separate meetings with the Egyptian and Palestinian Presidents to discuss efforts toward an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

The Aqaba summit was held while US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is on a tour in the Middle East over the conflict in Gaza. He has so far visited Turkey, Greece, Jordan, Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel, the West Bank and Bahrain, and is expected to conclude his trip with a stop in Cairo on Thursday.

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Jordan, Egypt, and Palestine Unite Against Israeli Plans

Noting Israel’s hostilities in the West Bank, as well as its violations of Islamic and Christian sanctities in Jerusalem, the leaders warned that such actions could escalate tensions in the region…reports Asian Lite News

Jordan, Egypt and Palestine have stressed their rejection of any Israeli plans to displace Palestinians in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

The rejection was reiterated on Wednesday during a trilateral summit held in Jordan’s Aqaba, where King Abdullah II of Jordan, Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi, and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas also called for international condemnation of and actions against such plans, Xinhua news agency reported.

They stressed the need for continuing pressure on Israel to stop its aggression on Gaza and protect the innocent civilians in the strip, according to a statement by Jordan’s Royal Hashemite Court.

Meanwhile, the Egyptian President called for “a decisive stance” from the international community to push for a ceasefire in the besieged enclave and explained the efforts made by Egypt to open dialogue with all concerned parties to reach a truce agreement in Gaza.

The leaders also expressed complete rejection of any attempts to liquidate the Palestine issue and to separate Gaza and the West Bank, both of which are integral parts of the Palestinian state, the statement added.

At the summit, the three leaders reiterated the importance of ensuring sufficient delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza to alleviate the dire humanitarian situation in the enclave.

King Abdullah II, Sisi and Abbas also voiced “complete rejection of any attempts to reoccupy parts of Gaza,” stressing the necessity of “enabling the people of the Gaza Strip to return to their homes”.

Noting Israel’s hostilities in the West Bank, as well as its violations of Islamic and Christian sanctities in Jerusalem, the leaders warned that such actions could escalate tensions in the region.

The three heads of state agreed to continue working together in coordination with Arab and influential countries to find a political horizon for resolving the Palestine issue to achieve a just and comprehensive peace based on a two-state solution, which entails restoring the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people and ensuring the establishment of their independent and sovereign state on the 1967 border and with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Before the summit, the Jordanian king held separate meetings with the Egyptian and Palestinian Presidents to discuss efforts toward an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

The Aqaba summit was held while US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is on a tour in the Middle East over the conflict in Gaza. He has so far visited Turkey, Greece, Jordan,

Qatar, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Israel, the West Bank and Bahrain, and is expected to conclude his trip with a stop in Cairo on Thursday.

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7 Arab Nations Excel in Achieving SDG Targets

The ‘Arab Region SDG Index and Dashboards Report 2023’ highlighted that UAE, Jordan, Tunisia, Algeria, Oman, Egypt, and Morocco have accomplished more than two-thirds of their targets…reports Asian Lite News

Seven of the 22 Arab countries – specifically, the UAE, Jordan, Tunisia, Algeria, Oman, Egypt, and Morocco – have accomplished more than two-thirds of their targets in the journey towards fulfilling the Sustainable Development Goals.

This key achievement was highlighted in a report by the Mohammed bin Rashid School of Government, in partnership with the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN). The report – ‘Arab Region SDG Index and Dashboards Report 2023’ – aligns with the Year of Sustainability and building on the recent COP28 discussions.

This pivotal report is a key resource for governments, policymakers, and stakeholders, offering a comprehensive means to track and measure progress towards the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Additionally, it identifies key implementation challenges and data gaps, providing a solid foundation for developing actionable strategies.

Dr. Ali bin Sebaa Al Marri, Executive President of MBRSG, said, “The report reflects MBRSG’s dedication to empowering governments with innovative and proactive policies to meet various challenges and adapt to evolving circumstances at local, regional, and global levels,” he added.

Dr. Al Marri explained, “The report sheds light on the various development challenges confronting the Arab region, particularly its least developed countries. By adopting a data-driven approach, it offers a practical tool for targeted interventions aimed at fostering positive transformations across the region in relation to all Sustainable Development Goals.”

Dr. Fadi Salem, Director of the Policy Research Department at MBRSG and co-author of the report, stated, “The index, with its data-driven insights, underscores significant regional challenges and priorities. It calls for concerted efforts in the upcoming years to expedite development across diverse regional paths.” He also highlighted the importance of leveraging COP28 outcomes for unified regional progress towards a sustainable future.

Despite some regional advancements, the report highlights substantial ongoing obstacles in various developmental sectors within the Arab region. It calls for intensive efforts and the adoption of regional strategies to bridge existing gaps and foster progress towards a more sustainable future.

The report particularly highlights challenges in achieving gender equality (SDG 5), where all Arab countries have shown low performance, and the impact of conflicts on realising SDG 16 (peace, justice, and strong institutions). It calls for increased collective efforts to enhance gender equality policies, strengthen institutions, and tackle conflict-related issues.

Additionally, the report notes advancements in SDG 3 (good health and well-being) in some Arab countries, especially in basic health outcomes like neonatal and under-five mortality rates, and improvements in sectors related to SDG 4 (quality education).

Lama Zakzak, Principal Researcher at MBRSG and co-author, stressed the importance of the report’s findings on SDG 13 (climate action). She pointed out that while some countries have made progress in climate action, the least developed are still vulnerable to climate disasters and require significant support for climate-related goals, including adaptation measures.

Guillaume Lafortune, Vice President of the UN SDSN, commented, “This updated report offers a renewed assessment of the SDG progress and challenges in the Arab region, based on transparent and internationally recognized data.” He stressed the urgency of developing long-term investment strategies and ambitious plans with effective monitoring systems to achieve the SDGs by 2030.

The report also identifies the ongoing challenge of data availability, especially in monitoring SDGs related to poverty eradication and inequality reduction. It includes 113 indicators for the 17 SDGs, each with a score, colour-coding for performance levels, and trend arrows.

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Jordan minister doubts Israel can wipe out Hamas

The European Union’s top diplomat, Josep Borrell, added: “It’s quite understandable that without the freedom of the hostages, nothing can be solved.”…reports Asian Lite News

Jordan’s foreign minister said on Saturday that he did not understand how Israel’s goal of obliterating the Palestinian militant group Hamas it is fighting in Gaza could be achieved.

“Israel says it wants to wipe out Hamas. There’s a lot of military people here, I just don’t understand how this objective can be realized,” said Ayman Safadi.

He warned Jordan would do “whatever it takes to stop” the displacement of Palestinians, amid heavy Israeli bombardment of the Hamas-run Gaza Strip in retaliation for an Oct. 7 attack by Hamas and other Islamist militants.

“We will never allow that to happen, in addition to it being a war crime, it would be a direct threat to our national security. We’ll do whatever it takes to stop it” said Safadi at the IISS Manama Dialogue security summit in Bahrain.

The Israel-Hamas war has reawakened long-standing fears in Jordan, home to a large population of Palestinian refugees and their descendants. They fear that Israel could expel Palestinians en masse from the Israeli-occupied West Bank, where Israeli settler attacks on Palestinians have surged since Oct. 7 attack.

“This war is not taking us anywhere but toward more conflict, more suffering and the threat of expanding into regional wars,” said Safadi.

Israel did not immediately respond to Safadi’s comments, which included a call for an immediate ceasefire and end to the fighting.

However, on hand was Brett McGurk, the White House’s National Security Council coordinator for the Middle East, who said that “a release of large number of hostages would result in a significant pause in fighting … and a massive surge of humanitarian relief.”

“There’s no returning to Oct. 6. That’s true for Israel. It’s true for Palestinians,” McGurk said. “No country can live with the threats of terror like what we saw from Hamas unleashed, on Oct. 7 on their border. And at the same time, Palestinians deserve need and require safety and self-determination.”

The European Union’s top diplomat, Josep Borrell, added: “It’s quite understandable that without the freedom of the hostages, nothing can be solved.”

Safadi later offered a sharp retort to that: “Israel is taking 2.3 million Palestinians hostage.”

Top foreign policy adviser to the United Arab Emirates President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan said on Saturday that statements from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about a longer term presence in Gaza were worrying.

“We hear now from the Israeli prime minister and indeed the Israeli president about the sort of longer term Israeli connection to Gaza. They are very worrying,” Anwar Gargash said at the Manama summit.

“This indicates that perhaps the lesson that we as the majority of people in region are taking away from the Gaza crisis which is the need to go back to the two state solution, we need to go back to an Israeli and Palestinian state living side by side. That lesson has perhaps not been the same.”

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Jordan Envoy Sees India as Key in West Asia Peace

Last month, India refrained from voting at the UN General Assembly on a resolution led by Jordan. Notably, this resolution did not mention Hamas. Its aim was to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and ensure unrestricted humanitarian access to the conflict-affected area….reports Asian Lite News

The Jordanian envoy to India explained that every country makes its own decisions based on its interests, in response to India’s abstention from voting on a UN resolution led by Jordan, which called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Ambassador Mohamed Salam Jameel A.F. El-Kayed said that his country respects India’s decision and will not interfere in it. The envoy also stated Amman’s stance in this conflict and added that it “is very clear” that Jordan calls for a ‘ceasefire’.

“It is India’s decision. We respect that. We don’t interfere in that. India has decided to abstain from that resolution. And it’s up to India. We don’t interfere. Each country takes its own stand according to its interests,” Mohamed Salam Jameel A.F. El-Kayed told ANI in an interview.

“Jordan’s position is very clear for everybody. We call stopping the war right away. We call for a ceasefire to be put on to save the civilian casualties. We also stand for releasing all hostages. That’s the Jordanian position that has been articulated by His Majesty King Abdullah II…and to stop the bombing of the civilian people. We’ve seen over 10,000 people have been killed, including children, women, elderly. So we need this war to be stopped right away…”, the envoy said.

Last month, India abstained from voting in the UN General Assembly on a Jordan-led resolution that had no mention of Hamas in it. The resolution sought a ceasefire in Gaza and “unhindered” humanitarian access to the war-ravaged region.

The Jordan-drafted resolution titled ‘Protection of civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations’ was adopted with 120 nations voting in its favour, 14 against it and 45 abstaining. India, Australia, Canada, Germany, Japan, Ukraine and the UK abstained from voting.

Speaking further on the conversation between New Delhi and Amman, the Jordanian envoy stated that India is an emerging power and that it can play a role in that situation in order to solve the problem.

“Yes, the conversation took place and the Honorable Prime Minister has talked to His Majesty about so many issues, of course, security and arrangements and humanitarian aid as well. In this regard, India is an emerging power in the world & is getting involved in many international issues and has already sent aid”, said the envoy.

“I think India can play a role in that situation in order to solve the problem and to save the lives of people who are killed there”, he added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier held a crucial telephonic conversation with King Abdullah II of Jordan to address the escalating situation between Israel and Hamas. The leaders shared their concerns over terrorism, and the loss of civilian lives in the war.

Both leaders underscored the need for concerted efforts to achieve an early resolution to the security and humanitarian challenges that have arisen as a result of the war.

“Spoke with His Majesty @KingAbdullahII of Jordan. Exchanged views on the developments in the West Asia region. We share concerns regarding terrorism, violence and loss of civilian lives. Concerted efforts needed for early resolution of the security and humanitarian situation,” posted PM Modi on X.

Since the war broke out last month, several countries,including Jordan, have recalled their ambassadors to Israel.

Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said the Jordanian ambassador would only return to Tel Aviv if Israel halted its war on the enclave and ended “the humanitarian crisis it has caused”.

“We’ve submitted the resolution for the General assembly… We withdrew our ambassador from there. It was a clear sign that we condemn all this bombardment and all this killing of young and children and actually the Palestinian nation as a whole”, said the envoy.

On Monday, Jordan’s King Abdullah II said that his country’s air force had airdropped “urgent medical aid” to a field hospital operated by the kingdom in Gaza Strip. The Jordanian envoy, while mentioning this said that his “country cannot stay silent”.

In a post on social media, the king said it was “our duty to aid our brothers and sisters injured in the war on Gaza.”

“The Israeli forces are bombarding hospitals, schools, everything. So, Jordan cannot stay silent. Yesterday Royal Force Aircraft dropped aid to the Jordanian Hospital, field Hospital. It was the first country to do so. And this is a clear message about Jordan’s position toward this war and this genocide that is going on in the Gaza Strip,” added the envoy.

When asked what role Jordan can play in resolving the conflict and what repercussions the conflict have on the West Asia region, the envoy ‘hoped that no spillover or repercussion will happen’ and that Jordan has always ‘tried to push peace process’.

“We support two-state solution. Because we think that Palestinians deserve to have their own state”, said the envoy.

“Jordan has always tried to push peace process. Always have a Good Diplomatic relations with everybody. Trying fo help Palestinians . Jordan is major a player in that arena”, he added.

Meanwhile, Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on Wednesday said it has killed one of the top figures in Hamas’s weapons manufacturing apparatus in an overnight airstrike.

The military and Shin Bet have called Muhsin Abu Zina “one of the leaders of weapons production” for Hamas, who specialised in manufacturing “strategic weapons and rockets,” according to a Times of Israel report.

The IDF has called him the head of Hamas’s “industries and weaponry” division.

Taking to X, Israeli Defence Forces stated, “IDF fighters continue to operate deep in the Gaza Strip, eliminating terrorists and directing aircraft to attack terrorist infrastructure. An IDF fighter jet, guided by the intelligence of the Shin Bet and Amman, destroyed the Abu Zina warehouse, which served as the head of the Industries and Weapons Department at the Hamas production headquarters.” (ANI)

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