King from Paris: Israel’s resumption of attacks on Gaza a dangerous step that worsens dire humanitarian situation

By JT - Mar 19,2025 - Last updated at Mar 19,2025

His Majesty King Abdullah, during statements to the press with France President Emmanuel Macron at Élysée Palace in Paris, stressed that Israel’s resumption of its attacks on Gaza is an extremely dangerous step that adds further destruction to an already deteriorating humanitarian situation (Photo courtesy of Royal Court)

His Majesty says forced displacement of Palestinians in West Bank, Gaza threatens to expand conflict, further destabilise region
President Macron says France, Europe are ready to support Gaza reconstruction plan presented by Arab leaders

AMMAN - His Majesty King Abdullah on Wednesday said that Israel’s resumption of its attacks on Gaza is an extremely dangerous step that adds further destruction and despair to the already dire humanitarian situation.

During joint press statements with French President Emmanuel Macron at Élysée Palace in Paris, His Majesty called on the international community to take immediate action to restore the ceasefire and ensure that all phases are implemented, according to a Royal Court statement.

The King stressed that Israel’s continued attacks and blockade of aid, water and electricity to Gaza are threatening the lives of Palestinians residing there and escalating the devastating conditions that they are already facing, highlighting the need for an immediate resumption of aid flow.

His Majesty expressed appreciation for France’s support of the Gaza reconstruction plan that was presented at the Extraordinary Arab Summit in Egypt, which outlines an effective framework to rebuild the Strip and preserve the rights of Palestinians without displacing them, the statement said.

The King said that his meeting with President Macron is part of ongoing coordination over the past months, working to achieve peace and stability in the Middle East, emphasising Jordan’s keenness to continue strengthening its strong strategic partnership with France.

His Majesty highlighted Jordan’s efforts to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Gaza by land and air, noting that Jordan began medical evacuations of sick and injured children from Gaza to the Kingdom, where they will receive treatment.

The King commended France for its role in working with Jordan to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, especially through the airdrop operations.

His Majesty also noted that the forced displacement of Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza threatens to expand the conflict and further destabilise the region, calling for a halt to Israel’s alarming escalation of the situation in the West Bank, which has led to more than 40,000 Palestinians being displaced this year.

The King reiterated the need for an immediate end to Israel’s violations of Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, noting that continued attacks on Palestinians and their property, and violations of international law undermine the prospects of peace, according to the statement.

His Majesty added that a political solution that leads to peace on the basis of the two-state solution is the only way to ensure the security of Palestinians, Israelis, and the entire region, praising the active and pivotal role of France and Europe in this regard.

Speaking about Syria, the King affirmed Jordan’s support for Syria's efforts to preserve its security, stability, and territorial integrity, and to protect its citizens.

His Majesty noted that Syria urgently needs international support for its efforts to rebuild, and to create suitable conditions for the voluntary and safe return of refugees.

For his part, President Macron said France and Europe are ready to support the Gaza reconstruction plan presented by Arab leaders, adding that the plan will be discussed tomorrow at the European Council, according to the statement.

Macron also noted that the plan proposes a credible framework, including security guarantees and new governments, which will help consolidate the ceasefire.

The French president said efforts to secure a stable future for the peoples of the region requires political courage, which His Majesty has amply demonstrated during these difficult times.

He also stressed that Israeli and Palestinian leaders must follow His Majesty’s example, as actions to the opposite will lead to extremism, which will push people into decades of further suffering and repetition of current and past tragedies.

Speaking about the Palestinian issue, the French president said that there is a missing part of the Abrahamic Accords — a Palestinian state that will finally restore to Palestinians their legitimate rights, which will defuse any attempts to exploit the Palestinian cause by those who seek to expand their control.

He added that this must be done in a way that also guarantees Israel’s security, and that it is important for all countries in the region to be involved.

President Macron said France is working hard for a ceasefire in Gaza, stressing that the resumption of Israel’s strikes, despite the efforts of mediators, is a dramatic setback for Palestinians in Gaza, who are now under bombardment again.

On bilateral relations, the French President emphasised that political and security cooperation with Jordan is more necessary than ever in light of the current regional developments, stressing France’s commitment to standing with Jordan and Jordanians in light of these challenges, the statement said.

He added that the recent signing of the EU-Jordan Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership is testament to the close ties and friendship between Jordan and France.

He also noted that the King’s visit provides an opportunity to work on strengthening bilateral cooperation in the military, economic, humanitarian and development fields.

President Macron commended Jordan’s commitment to peace and stability, whether through the treatment of 2,000 wounded children from Gaza on its territory, its role in supporting Syria, or its efforts to combat terrorism through the Aqaba Process initiative.

Following the joint statements, the two leaders held bilateral talks followed by expanded ones on the deep-rooted ties between Jordan and France and ways to enhance them.

The talks also addressed regional developments and the two countries’ joint efforts to achieve peace and stability in the Middle East.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Director of the Office of His Majesty Alaa Batayneh, and Jordan’s Ambassador to France Lina Al Hadid attended the talks.

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