Jordanian, US top diplomats discuss humanitarian situation in Gaza and Lebanon

By Laith Al-Jnaidi

AMMAN, Jordan (AA) - Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the humanitarian situation in Gaza on Friday, as well as efforts to prevent regional escalation.

The meeting took place in London.

In a statement, Jordanian Foreign Ministry said during their meeting, Safadi stressed the necessity for the immediate cessation of the Israeli aggression on Gaza, and the required necessary measures to halt the killings and starvation inflicted upon Palestinians in northern Gaza.

On Oct, 5, the Israeli army attacked northern Gaza, claiming it was to “prevent Hamas from regaining strength in the area.” However, Palestinians say Israel seeks to occupy the area and forcibly displace its residents.

Safadi and Blinken also addressed the deteriorating situation in the occupied West Bank amid Israeli army and settlers attacks against Palestinians and their properties.

In addition, the Jordanian foreign minister spoke with Blinken about the need to stop Israeli aggression in Lebanon and the importance of implementing UN Resolution 1701.

The resolution, adopted unanimously by the Security Council on Aug. 11, 2006, calls for a complete cessation of hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel and the establishment of a zone free of armed personnel and military equipment, except for those belonging to the Lebanese army and UN peacekeeping forces (UNIFIL).

Regional tensions have escalated due to Israel’s brutal offensive on the Gaza Strip, which has killed over 42,800 people, mostly women and children, following a Hamas attack last year.

As the conflict spread to Lebanon with Israel launching deadly strikes across the country, over 2,500 people have been killed and more than 12,000 others injured in Israeli attacks since last year, according to Lebanese health authorities.

Despite international warnings that the Middle East region was on the brink of a regional war amid Israel’s relentless attacks on Gaza and Lebanon, Tel Aviv expanded the conflict by launching on Oct. 1 a ground assault into southern Lebanon.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar