Jordan’s King Abdullah II urges international community to push for immediate ceasefire in Gaza

Jordan’s King Abdullah II discussed Gaza developments during meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. (PETRA)
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Updated 19 November 2023
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Jordan’s King Abdullah II urges international community to push for immediate ceasefire in Gaza

  • King Abdullah stressed that global powers should force Israel to comply with international law to protect civilians
  • European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen reaffirmed her rejection of any attempts to displace Palestinians

AMMAN: Jordan’s King Abdullah urged the international community on Sunday to push for an immediate ceasefire to avert a humanitarian catastrophe caused by Israel’s “ugly war” on Gaza.

His remarks came during a meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to discuss urgent measures addressing the escalating violence in Gaza. 

King Abdullah stressed that global powers should force Israel to comply with international law to protect civilians and ensure an uninterrupted flow of aid into the Gaza Strip.

Expressing deep concerns, the king criticized Israel’s ongoing military actions in Gaza, warning of the potential for a broader regional crisis.

He underscored the necessity of halting hostilities for regional stability and reiterated the call for a political resolution to the Palestinian issue, emphasizing the role of the EU in achieving a two-state solution.

Von der Leyen reaffirmed her rejection of any attempts to displace Palestinians and stressed the need to preserve the historical and legal status in Jerusalem. She also condemned settler violence in the West Bank.

She praised Jordan’s humanitarian efforts in Gaza, recognizing the military field hospital’s crucial role in aiding civilians.

Commending King Abdullah’s political initiatives, she underscored the importance of achieving peace through a two-state solution.


US to deploy more troops to Middle East as Iran operations continue

Updated 6 sec ago
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US to deploy more troops to Middle East as Iran operations continue

  • Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine acknowledged that four US service members have been killed so far

WASHINGTON: The United States will send additional troops and military assets to the Middle East as operations against Iran continue, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan Caine said on Monday.

Speaking at the Pentagon alongside Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Caine stressed that the campaign, dubbed "Operation Epic Fury," remains ongoing and will not be concluded quickly.

“This is not a single overnight operation. The military objectives that (US Central Command) CENTCOM and the joint force have been tasked with will take some time to achieve, and, in some cases, will be difficult and gritty work,” Caine said.

He acknowledged that four US service members have been killed so far and cautioned that further casualties are expected as the campaign continues.

“We expect to take additional losses, and as always, we will work to minimize US losses. But as the Secretary (of Defense Hegseth) said, this is major combat operations,” Caine added.

Caine confirmed that more forces are already heading to the region.

“In fact, Admiral Cooper will receive additional forces even today,” he said, referring to US Central Command chief Brad Cooper.

He described the rapid military buildup as evidence of the US armed forces’ ability to adjust quickly and project power “at the time and place of our nation's choosing.”