Gov’t considering recall of envoy from Israel — sources

AMMAN — The government is mulling over calling back the Jordanian ambassador in Israel “for consultations”, according to official sources, who said that the move is one option to respond to the escalating Israeli onslaught on Gaza and the “demands of the Jordanian street”. 

The sources, who spoke on condition of anonymity told The Jordan Times that regardless of the decision that might be taken regarding diplomatic ties with Israel, Jordan will continue its efforts to end the war on Gaza through the channels available.

The remarks were echoed in a report by the Jordan News Agency, Petra, which quoted officials as saying that Amman will remain engaged in extensive diplomacy to end the Israeli onslaught on Gaza and protect Palestinians in line with the international humanitarian law.

According to the report, through its membership at the UN Security Council, Jordan proposed a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire, protection for civilians and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

The resolution that was adopted last Sunday is considered as the first official document adopted by the Security Council on the Palestinian issue since 2009, Petra said.

In addition, His Majesty King Abdullah intensified negotiations with world and regional leaders, and met with UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon to discuss a ceasefire in Gaza, the agency said.

In a Facebook post, the King wrote on the first day of the Eid holiday: “Eid Al Fitr, which is observed by the Arab and Islamic world, is an opportunity to recall and enact noble religious and humanitarian values such as compassion and faithful partnership, particularly when our brothers and sisters in the Gaza Strip suffer a humanitarian crisis under Israeli aggression. We, in Jordan, are adamant to support Palestinians in their quest to establish their independent state, and to live in freedom, tranquillity and peace.” 

Jordan has served as conduit for relief aid bound for Gaza, contributed by Jordanians and Arab donors, while the army-staffed field hospital in Gaza is working round-the-clock to help Gazans, a mission it embarked on in the aftermath of the 2008/09 Israeli war on the Gaza Strip.