King holds talks with French, Egypt presidents; stresses need to protect Palestinians, stop illegal Israeli violations, aggression

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Tuesday reaffirmed the need to protect Palestinians, stop all illegal Israeli violations and measures in Jerusalem, and end the aggression on Gaza.

During talks held via teleconference with Egypt President Abdel Fattah El Sisi and France President Emmanuel Macron, King Abdullah stressed the need to put an end to recurring Israeli violations and provocations, which have led to the current escalation and exacerbated conditions, according to a Royal Court statement.

His Majesty noted the importance of maintaining close coordination and working collectively to stop the violence and Israeli violations, while protecting the Palestinians.

The King noted that Jordan has intensified its efforts on all levels since the beginning of the current crisis in order to protect the Palestinians, stop the Israeli violations in Al Aqsa Mosque/Al Haram Al Sharif, and end the attempts to expel the families of Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood from their homes, in addition to providing the Palestinians with medical and relief assistance.

His Majesty said he has always affirmed the centrality of the Palestinian cause at all international forums, and has always warned against altering the historical and legal status quo in Jerusalem and the holy sites.

The King urged galvanising international efforts to stop the escalations in the Palestinian territories, and to push towards just and comprehensive peace, on the basis of the two-state solution that fulfils the just and legitimate rights of the Palestinians, including establishing their independent, sovereign, and viable state on the  June 4, 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital.

His Majesty said Jordan’s relentless efforts will continue to safeguard Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem — in line with the Hashemite Custodianship — and to work extensively towards stopping the current escalations.

In addition, the King said Jordan will maintain coordination with Egypt and France, and with other partners, to end the Israeli violations and restore calm to the Palestinian territories, while pushing the peace process forward.

His Majesty thanked President Macron for holding the trilateral talks at such a critical time, commending President Sisi’s and Egypt’s ongoing efforts to stop the current escalation.

For their part, President Macron and President Sisi commended Jordan’s role, under the leadership of His Majesty, in safeguarding Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, in line with the Hashemite Custodianship, expressing their support for Jordan’s efforts in this regard.

The two leaders stressed the need to maintain coordination and consultation among the three countries and with the international community, to halt escalations and restore calm.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, and Director of the Office of His Majesty Jafar Hassan attended the talks on the Jordanian side.