Safadi urges immediate Gaza ceasefire, condemns Israeli aggression

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Thursday called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the full implementation of the prisoner exchange agreement brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the US.

In a series of calls with his counterparts from Algeria, Egypt, Bulgaria, Slovenia, and Austria, Safadi urged urgent international intervention to pressure Israel into ending its aggression and reopening border crossings to allow humanitarian aid into the besieged Strip.

He also warned that Israel’s renewed military operations and blockade of aid would have catastrophic humanitarian consequences, according to a Foreign Ministry statement.

Condemning the ongoing attacks and the use of food as a weapon, he stressed the need for a sustainable ceasefire, beginning with the full enforcement of the exchange agreement.

Safadi also underscored ongoing regional and international efforts to broker a ceasefire and facilitate aid deliveries. Addressing the situation in the West Bank, he cautioned against Israel’s illegal actions, warning they could further escalate tensions.

In a call with Bulgarian Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev, Safadi strongly condemned the killing of a Bulgarian UN worker during an Israeli raid on a United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS) compound. He conveyed Jordan’s condolences and emphasised Israel’s responsibility, as an occupying force, to ensure the safety of international organisations and their personnel.

During his call with Austria’s newly appointed Foreign Minister Beate Meinl-Reisinger, Safadi discussed ways to enhance bilateral relations and congratulated her on her new role.

Both ministers reaffirmed the strong Jordanian-Austrian partnership and expressed their commitment to deepening cooperation. They also exchanged views on developments in Syria.

Safadi also talked with Austrian Chancellor and former Foreign Minister Alexander Schallenberg, thanking him for his efforts in strengthening Jordanian-Austrian relations during his tenure.