Jordan Daily – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates, Ayman Safadi, discussed ongoing efforts to halt Israel’s assault on Gaza with Qatar’s Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, during a phone call on Friday.
The conversation focused on the outcomes of recent negotiations hosted by Qatar over the past two days, aimed at reaching a prisoner exchange deal that could lead to a permanent ceasefire.
Safadi expressed Jordan’s support for the diplomatic efforts led by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States to secure the exchange agreement, emphasizing the urgency of finalizing the deal as swiftly as possible. He underscored the importance of these efforts, which were also reflected in a joint statement issued by the parties involved.
Furthermore, Safadi called for increased pressure on Israel to cease its military aggression on Gaza, urging the implementation of deterrent measures consistent with international law, which prohibits war crimes and mandates accountability for violations of international and humanitarian law.
Safadi pointed to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a significant obstacle to the success of the exchange negotiations, insisting that direct and impactful pressure must be applied to ensure progress. He stressed that the first step toward de-escalation and regional stability is the cessation of Israel’s aggression in Gaza and the resolution of the ensuing humanitarian crisis.
The conversation also addressed the alarming escalation of Israeli actions in the occupied West Bank and Jerusalem’s holy sites. Both Safadi and Sheikh Mohammed condemned the recent illegal Israeli activities in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, including the provocative visit by two extremist Israeli ministers to Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram Al-Sharif on Tuesday, the settler attacks on the Palestinian village of Jeet, and the continued expansion of Israeli settlements.
The two ministers reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing coordination and consultation in efforts to halt the assault on Gaza, deliver humanitarian aid, and protect the region from the threat of broader conflict.
