Jordan’s foreign minister offers blistering criticism of Israel as its war on Hamas rages on

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On Saturday, Jordan’s Foreign Minister sharply criticized Israel’s military actions against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, labeling them as “blatant aggression” against Palestinian civilians and a threat to regional stability. The minister’s remarks came during the Manama Dialogue summit in Bahrain, emphasizing the catastrophic impact of the Israeli offensive not only on Gaza but also on the Middle East.

He asserted that the situation called for frank discussion, stressing that Israel’s actions were not in self-defense but rather aggressive, disproportionately affecting innocent Palestinians. The Foreign Minister called for an immediate cessation of hostilities.

In response, Brett McGurk from the U.S. National Security Council highlighted that releasing a significant number of hostages could lead to a pause in the conflict and a surge in humanitarian aid. McGurk acknowledged the ongoing threat of terror faced by Israel, but also underscored the Palestinians’ need for safety and self-determination. The EU’s top diplomat, Josep Borrell, echoed the importance of resolving the hostage situation for peace efforts.

The Foreign Minister responded by accusing Israel of holding over two million Palestinians in Gaza hostage. The conflict escalated following an attack by Hamas on October 7 in southern Israel, leading to about 1,200 civilian deaths and the abduction of 240 individuals. Israel retaliated with airstrikes and a ground offensive, resulting in over 11,400 Palestinian casualties, many of whom were women and children. The casualty figures, however, do not differentiate between civilians and militants.

The Manama Dialogue, usually focusing on concerns about Iran, shifted its focus to the Israel-Hamas conflict, especially following recent diplomatic recognitions of Israel by Bahrain and the UAE.

Bahrain’s Crown Prince, in his opening remarks at the summit, advocated for a hostage swap and a halt to the violence. He emphasized the need for a break in hostilities to allow for mourning and reflection on the crisis’s origins.

The Jordanian Foreign Minister criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government for its hardline stance, perceiving it as a threat to Jordan and Egypt’s national security. He rejected the notion of Arab military involvement in Gaza post-conflict and stressed the need for a two-state solution.

McGurk outlined “five no’s” for the conflict’s resolution: no forced displacement, no reoccupation, no territorial reduction, no threats to Israel, and no besiegement. He also mentioned that the Palestinian issue remains central to any potential diplomatic deal between Israel and Saudi Arabia, reaffirming commitment to address this issue, especially in the aftermath of Hamas’ degradation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Jordan-Israel-Gaza Conflict

More about Jordan-Israel-Gaza Conflict

• Jordan’s Foreign Minister Condemns Israel’s Actions
• International Responses to Israel-Hamas Conflict
• Casualty Figures in Gaza Conflict
• Jordan’s Stance on Post-Conflict Gaza
• U.S. Representative’s “Five No’s” for Conflict Resolution