King, UK PM stress need for immediate ceasefire in Gaza

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer on Tuesday stressed the need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, and increasing the flow of humanitarian aid to civilians.

During a meeting at 10 Downing Street, His Majesty and the UK prime minister discussed bilateral relations, the dangerous regional developments, and the deteriorating situation in Gaza, according to a Royal Court statement.  

At the top of the meeting, the King said Jordan and the UK share a strong and deep relationship, adding, “I am sure that, as always, we will work very strongly together to overcome a lot of the challenges in our part of the world.”

His Majesty renewed his congratulations to Starmer on taking office.

Turning to regional developments, the King warned against the danger of a regional spillover of the conflict, the statement said. 

His Majesty reiterated the importance of the UK’s role in mobilising the efforts of all stakeholders towards reaching a ceasefire in Gaza, and stepping up the humanitarian response toward the catastrophe in the Strip, stressing that Jordan will maintain coordination with the UK on maximising aid.

The King commended the UK government's recent decision to resume support for UNRWA, to enable the agency to undertake its vital role under its UN mandate towards millions of Palestinians in Gaza and the region, the statement said. 

In addition, His Majesty warned of extremist settler violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, as well as violations of Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.

The King reiterated that the region will remain hostage to violence and instability unless a political horizon is created to achieve just and comprehensive peace on the basis of the two-state solution, guaranteeing the Palestinians’ right to establish their independent state on the 4 June 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital, according to the statement. 

His Majesty commended the UK’s support for the two-state solution, expressing appreciation also for its continuous support to Jordan, especially in development and defence, and reiterating keenness on bolstering cooperation and coordination.

For his part, Prime Minister Starmer reaffirmed the deep-rooted relations between Jordan and the UK, adding that the two countries have a long shared history, as well as “excellent cooperation” that can be built on towards further progress. 

The prime minister said the meeting with His Majesty is an opportunity “to have discussions on vital issues of common concern”.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Director of the Office of His Majesty Jafar Hassan, and Jordan’s Ambassador to the UK Manar Dabbas attended the meeting. 

On the sidelines of His Majesty’s visit, Safadi held talks with his counterpart, UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy, on efforts towards reaching an immediate and lasting ceasefire in Gaza, and ensuring the urgent and sufficient delivery of aid to all parts of the Strip, as well as means of enhancing bilateral cooperation.