Laith Al-Junaidi
19 October 2023•Update: 20 October 2023
AMMAN, Jordan
Jordan and Egypt on Thursday called for an immediate end to Israel’s war in the Gaza Strip and reiterated their rejection of attempts to forcibly displace Palestinians from the territory.
Jordan’s King Abdullah II held talks in Cairo with Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi.
The two leaders “underlined their rejection of the policy of collective punishment, siege, starvation and displacement of brothers in Gaza,” the Jordanian Royal Court said in a statement.
“Any attempt to forcibly displace (Palestinians) to Jordan or Egypt is rejected,” they stressed.
Abdullah and al-Sisi also called for an immediate end to Israel’s attacks on Gaza, protection of civilians, lifting of the siege, and delivery of humanitarian aid to the blockaded enclave, the statement said.
The two leaders warned that prolonging the war risked dragging the region into a “catastrophe.”
Jordanian and Egyptian leaders also called for the restoration of the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people, including the establishment of their independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital.
They condemned Tuesday's attack on Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza, calling it a "brutal crime against innocent civilians."
At least 471 Palestinians were killed in the strike on the hospital, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Israel has denied any responsibility for the attack, despite forensic and circumstantial evidence to the contrary.
The conflict in Gaza, under Israeli bombardment and blockade since Oct. 7, began when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea, and air. It said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers.
The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.
Gaza is experiencing a dire humanitarian crisis with no electricity, while water, food, fuel, and medical supplies are running out.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an “immediate humanitarian ceasefire” to ease the “epic human suffering.”
At least 3,785 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza, while the figure stands at more than 1,400 people in Israel.
