Jordan, Egypt, Germany, France call for immediate ceasefire in Gaza

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Thursday met with his counterparts from Egypt, Sameh Shoukry, France, Catherine Colonna, and Germany, Annalena Baerbock, as part of the Berlin-hosted Munich Group meeting to discuss necessary measures for achieving a just and lasting peace in the region, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.

In a joint statement released following the meeting, the ministers expressed their deep concern over the escalating violence and deteriorating situation in the occupied Palestinian territories and Israel, as well as the developments in Gaza and its adjacent areas, which have tragically led to casualties among civilians, including women and children.

The ministers called for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire, urging an end to Israeli military operations in Gaza as well as “the indiscriminate launching of rockets against Israel”, emphasising the importance of respecting international humanitarian law.

The foreign ministers of France, Germany and Jordan commended Egypt’s efforts to help negotiate a ceasefire. 

“This regrettable situation underscores the urgent need for intensified efforts to prevent further escalation and establish a political framework that restores hope, fulfills aspirations and brings an end to the occupation,” the communiqué read. 

The ministers emphasised the necessity of eradicating the root causes of the tension and violence, including unilateral measures that undermine the two-state solution and prospects for a just and lasting peace.

The ministers also acknowledged the collaborative efforts of Egypt, Jordan and the US in de-escalating the situation, preventing further violence and generating the momentum necessary for a broader political process.

They also called on all involved parties to fulfill their commitments made during the Aqaba and Sharm El Sheikh meetings.

The ministers also emphasised the importance of the preservation of the current status quo in Jerusalem’s holy sites, and the significance of the Hashemite Custodianship over these shrines.

The ministers expressed deep concern regarding the escalation of targeting Jerusalem’s Christian and Muslim communities.

Recent events highlight the imperative need to resume a credible political process that leads to a comprehensive and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians. Such a process could realise the two sate solution, which ensures the establishment of a viable geographically connected and sovereign Palestinian state, on the borders of June 4, 1967, in line with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions. 

The ministers agreed to continue working with all stakeholders towards the resumption of a credible peace process.

Also on Thursday, Safadi held a consultative meeting with the Egyptian foreign minister, Sameh Shoukry, to coordinate positions ahead of the Munich Group meeting.

Safadi also engaged in discussions with his German counterpart, Annalena Baerbock, focusing on bilateral relations and the latest developments related to the crisis in Syria. Safadi expressed appreciation for partnership between Jordan and Germany, as well as Germany’s support in assisting the Kingdom with its economic development and addressing the challenges stemming from regional crises, notably the refugee crisis.

Furthermore, Safadi met with German Chancellery Foreign and Security Policy Advisor, Jens Ploetner, and emphasised the strength of the Jordanian-German partnership. Both officials highlighted the importance of activating cooperation mechanisms between both nations to effectively tackle regional issues and achieve stability, reaffirming the centrality of the Jordanian-German partnership.

Safadi commenced his visit to Germany on Thursday by meeting with Martin Schulz, the chairman of the Friedrich-Ebert Foundation.