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Amid tensions, Jordan hosts Palestinian-Israeli talks

Senior officials from Jordan, Egypt, Israel, Palestine, US take part in ‘candid’ discussions

By JT - Feb 27,2023 - Last updated at Feb 26,2023

AMMAN — At the invitation of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, Egyptian, Israeli, Palestinian and US senior officials met in Aqaba on Sunday, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.

Following “comprehensive and candid” discussions, the participants announced the following:

The Palestinian and Israeli sides reaffirmed their commitment to all previous agreements and to work towards achieving a just and lasting peace. They also reiterated the need to reduce escalation on the ground and prevent further violence.

The five parties emphasised the importance of preserving the historical status quo in Jerusalem's holy sites, both in word and in action. In this regard, officials emphasised the importance of the Hashemite Custodianship and Jordan’s role.

The Palestinian National Authority and the Israeli government agreed to work together immediately to halt unilateral action for a period of three to six months. This includes an Israeli commitment to cease discussions on the establishment of any new settlement units for four months, and to halt the approval of any new settlement outposts for six months.

The five parties agreed to meet again in Egypt's Sharm El Sheikh next month to review the above-mentioned objectives.

 

The participants also agreed to support confidence-building measures and mutual trust between the two sides in order to address outstanding issues through direct dialogue. The Palestinian and Israeli sides will work in good faith to assume their responsibilities in this regard.

Jordan, Egypt and the US consider these understandings a positive step towards reactivating and deepening the relationship between the Palestinian and Israeli sides, and are committed to facilitating their implementation as needed.

The participants emphasised the importance of the Aqaba meeting, the first of its kind to be held in years. They agreed to continue meetings in this format, maintain positive momentum, and build on what has been agreed upon to achieve a more comprehensive political process, leading to a just and lasting peace.

Participants thanked Jordan for organising and hosting the meeting, and for its efforts to ensure positive results. They also thanked Egypt for its essential support and active participation. Additionally, they expressed gratitude to the US for its important role in the efforts that led to this agreement, emphasising its indispensable role in efforts to prevent deterioration and find prospects for peace.

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