By Laith Aljunaidi
AMMAN, Jordan (AA) – Jordan’s King Abdullah II said Wednesday there will be no security or peace without the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
"The current dangerous escalation, violence, and aggression in the Palestinian territories serve as a clear indication that our region will not enjoy security and stability without achieving a just and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution,” he said in a speech.
"Our unwavering focus remains on Palestine and its cherished jewel, Jerusalem,” the monarch said. “We will not waver in defending the Palestinian legitimate interests and cause until our Palestinian brothers regain their full rights.”
"Jordan's stance will remain resolute, and we will not abandon our role, no matter the challenges, in safeguarding the Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem based on the Hashemite custodianship,” the king said.
In a dramatic escalation of Mideast tensions, Israeli forces have launched a sustained and forceful military campaign against the Gaza Strip, a response to a military offensive by the Palestinian group Hamas in Israeli territories.
The conflict began when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood against Israel, a multi-pronged surprise attack including a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel via land, sea, and air, which Hamas said was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem and Israeli settlers’ growing violence against Palestinians.
In response to Hamas' actions, the Israeli military launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets within the Gaza Strip. Israel's response has extended into cutting water and electricity supplies to Gaza, further worsening the living conditions in an area that has reeled under a crippling siege since 2007.
At least 2,300 people have been killed in the current bout of violence, including at least 1,055 Palestinians and 1,200 Israelis.
No security, peace in Mideast without independent Palestinian state: Jordan’s king
Israeli army launches sustained, forceful military campaign against Gaza after Hamas attack
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