Jordanian King warns of Gaza war expansion
SMA NEWS – AMMAN
King Abdullah II of Jordan issued a stark warning on Tuesday about the potential escalation of the Gaza war, emphasizing the tangible and severe consequences it could bring for all involved parties.
Speaking at a joint press conference with German Chancellor Olaf Scholz in Berlin, King Abdullah II urged solidarity with the victims of violence, irrespective of nationality, identity, or religion. He underscored the urgent need for humanitarian aid to enter Gaza, expressing concern that the entire region is on the brink of collapse due to the ongoing cycle of death and destruction.
King Abdullah II commenced a European tour on Saturday, including a visit to France, with the aim of garnering international support to halt the Israeli military actions in Gaza. According to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), over one million people have been displaced, nearly half of Gaza’s total population.
The conflict originated on October 7 when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, involving a multi-pronged surprise attack, including rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea, and air. Hamas cited the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and increased violence by Israeli settlers as the reasons behind the incursion. In response, the Israeli military launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.
The toll from Israeli airstrikes on Gaza stands at at least 2,848 Palestinians, including 750 children. Additionally, the West Bank has witnessed 60 casualties from Israeli attacks. The armed conflict has also claimed the lives of more than 1,400 Israelis.
