King, Ashton discuss Gaza truce

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Thursday discussed efforts seeking to uphold the ceasefire and end the Israeli aggression on Gaza with Catherine Ashton, the EU high representative for foreign affairs and security policy and first vice president of the European Commission. 

In a telephone call with Ashton, the King stressed the pivotal role of the international community and the EU in ensuring a complete halt of the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip and addressing the catastrophic humanitarian situation it has caused and the destruction of infrastructure. 

His Majesty also mentioned the draft resolution on Gaza prepared by Jordan as a non-permanent UN Security Council member, in coordination with Palestine and on behalf of the Arab group, a Royal Court statement said. 

The resolution seeks to lift the blockade imposed on Gaza and proposes a plan to rebuild the coastal enclave, he said.

Discussions also covered the latest regional developments, especially the situation in Syria and Iraq, with the King highlighting Jordan’s increasing burdens resulting from hosting large numbers of Syrian refugees. 

In addition, His Majesty and Ashton discussed means to enhance Jordanian-EU relations in all fields.

For her part, Ashton thanked Jordan for its efforts to end the war on Gaza and its humanitarian assistance to the Syrian refugees, voicing the EU’s support in this regard.