PARIS, Friday, February 16, 2024 (WAFA) – Jordan’s King Abdullah II said today that ‘an Israeli attack on Rafah in Gaza, where nearly 1.5 million people have been pushed into a small area to take shelter from the ongoing devastation in Gaza, will have catastrophic humanitarian consequences,’ according to Jordan’s Petra news agency.
During a meeting with French President Emmanuel Macron at the Élysée Palace in the heart of Paris, the king stressed the need for a lasting ceasefire in Gaza, reaffirming that if the Israeli occupation’s destructive aggression on Gaza and escalations in the West Bank, including Jerusalem, continue, their repercussions would spread to the entire region.
“A political solution that leads to peace based on the two-state solution is the only way to guarantee security for the Palestinians, the Israelis, and the entire region,” the king said.
He expressed thanks to President Macron for his active engagement in this regard, underlining the important role of Europe in reaching a peaceful solution.
The King said the talks in Paris are part of ongoing coordination between Jordan and France over the past months to work towards ending the aggression waged on Gaza and dealing with the humanitarian disaster there.
"We are grateful for France’s efforts, under your leadership, Sir, to work towards a ceasefire, and increase humanitarian aid to Gaza through all possible entry points and mechanisms," said the king.
According to Petra, the king stressed that Jordan has worked with France to provide vital medical supplies to Gaza via airdrops, "which is part of the few methods we have been using to bolster the humanitarian response as much as possible".
"Of course, more must be done. We must ensure the sustainable and unhindered delivery of sufficient aid to mitigate the terrible humanitarian situation," he added.
"Support for UNRWA must continue. It is a vital lifeline for nearly 2 million Palestinians in Gaza facing the threat of starvation. It also provides much-needed services for Palestinian refugees elsewhere in the region," the King stressed.
For his part, President Macron warned of an Israeli attack on Rafah, stressing that any military operation will lead to a massive loss of life, which cannot be accepted, said Petra.
The French president stressed ‘the importance of protecting civilians, noting that attempts at their forcible displacement would be a grave mistake and a violation of international humanitarian law.’
President Macron also stressed the importance of reaching a ceasefire, commending the king of Jordan’s efforts to work toward that end and noting that a ceasefire would enable the protection of all civilians and ensure the flow of urgent aid.
The French president urged ensuring sufficient aid is provided to Gazans, who are facing starvation and death due to the difficult conditions in the Strip, stressing the importance of opening crossing points to allow for the flow of aid, including to northern Gaza, which is facing difficult conditions, added Petra.
President Macron also pointed to France’s collaboration with Jordan on a recent airdrop of medical supplies into Gaza.
President Macron called for de-escalation in the West Bank and an end to Israeli colonists’ violence.
He warned that Ramadan is a critical time, stressing the importance of maintaining calm in Jerusalem’s holy sites.
T.R.
