Kingdom, Vatican reaffirm commitment to peace, human rights amid Gaza crisis

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Ayman Safadi on Monday met with Vatican Secretary for Relations with States Richard Gallagher.

In a joint press conference following the meeting, Safadi expressed his appreciation for the enduring friendship and partnership between the Kingdom and the Vatican, which dates back to 1994.

The minister also conveyed the Kingdom’s keenness to explore ways to enhance cooperation and joint work between Jordan and the Vatican, with the aim of promoting peace, justice, and stability in the region.

Turning to the dire situation in Gaza, Safadi highlighted  the "relentless" brutality of Israeli aggression, which he stated has “crossed all moral and legal boundaries, resulting in nothing but destruction, suffering and starvation”.

Safadi also said that Gallagher’s visit coincides with the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, a month of worship, peace and sanctity, adding that “this is not the reality for over 2.3 million people in Gaza”.

The foreign minister also underscored the urgency and severity of the humanitarian situation in the West Bank, describing it as "explosive and untenable", and not conducive to peace. He also criticised Israel’s continued undermining of the two-state solution, violation of the sanctity of holy places, and restriction of Palestinians’ right to worship.

“Playing with the holy sites is playing with fire,” Safadi warned.

He also said the world has failed to uphold the international law, the international humanitarian law, and the dignity of life in Gaza

He also reiterated the Kingdom’s firm stance on the urgent need for a cessation of aggression and emphasised the country’s special religious and moral responsibility towards the holy sites.

Safadi called on the international community to act "swiftly" to compel Israel to respect the sanctity of life in the besieged enclave and to uphold the historical and religious status quo of the Islamic and Christian holy sites.

Gallagher commended the 30 years of diplomatic relations between Jordan and the Vatican, characterizing them as “close cooperation and great respect”. 

He also acknowledged the Kingdom’s significance to the Holy See as a country where religious freedom is upheld and inter-religious dialogue is fostered. Gallagher also hailed the active role of the Catholic Church in Jordan.

The Vatican minister reaffirmed the Holy See’s commitment to human rights and stability in the region, adding that “The Holy See continues to advocate for a ceasefire, believes that humanitarian aid must be facilitated, and insists that every effort must be made to end this terrible war”.

The two sides also reviewed efforts aimed at ending hostilities, ensuring the protection of civilians, contributing to peace efforts in Gaza and promoting an immediate ceasefire in the war-torn enclave.