Jordan’s King: Civilian life is precious… “The bombing operation is a crime by association.”
Palestinian Authority President: “Humanitarian channels must be opened”
A solution was discussed, but Israel did not participate… The U.S. also lacks high-ranking officials
As the war continues between Israel and the Palestinian armed faction Hamas, world leaders gathered in Cairo, the capital of Egypt, to discuss a solution.
According to foreign media such as Al Jazeera and the New York Times (NYT) on the 21st (local time), the United Nations, European Union (EU), United States, United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Greece, Cyprus, Qatar, Jordan, Kuwait, and South Africa Leaders of at least 12 countries, including the Republic, gathered in Cairo to discuss a solution to the war.
The leaders gathered here demanded humanitarian support for the Palestinian Gaza Strip, protection of civilians, and a two-state solution. However, rather than discussing a solution in detail, the Arab leader criticized Hamas’ attack and mentioned Israel’s right to self-defense.
In his opening speech, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi urged the attending leaders to come together to end the humanitarian disaster in the Gaza Strip and agree on a roadmap for peace.
He mentioned that specific roadmap goals include the delivery of aid to the Gaza Strip, a ceasefire agreement, and negotiations leading to a two-state solution.
King Abdullah II of Jordan said, “Every civilian life is precious,” and added, “The merciless bombing campaign currently underway in the Gaza Strip is cruel and unconscionable in every respect. “This is a guilt-by-association system for helplessly trapped people,” he said.
“This is a clear violation of international humanitarian law and a war crime,” he said, adding, “Attacks on civilian infrastructure elsewhere and deliberately cutting off food, water, electricity and basic necessities for entire populations are reprehensible.” .
Palestinian Authority (PA) President Mahmoud Abbas requested that humanitarian channels be opened. He then claimed that Palestinians would not leave their land.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis warned Israel that “the laws of war prohibit guilt by association.”
There is also a pessimistic prediction that this meeting will end as a ‘half-meeting’ that ends with calls for peace. Israel, the party involved, did not have a representative present.
As Israel’s ground war and all-out war continue to be mentioned, it is analyzed that it will be difficult to change Israel’s military action plan without the Prime Minister, Minister of Defense, and others attending the meeting.
Additionally, the United States, which can play a key role in mediating international disputes, did not send a high-ranking official.
US President Joe Biden was originally scheduled to meet Abbas in Jordan on the 18th, but the meeting was canceled due to the explosion at a hospital in Gaza.
Last week, Egypt convened an international conference. Egyptian Foreign Minister Samih Shukry said, “The convening of this summit reflects the gravity of the situation in the Gaza Strip,” and added, “We will seek international agreement on the need to ease tensions in the Gaza Strip and deliver humanitarian aid.”
On this day, 20 trucks loaded with relief supplies to be delivered to residents passed through the Rafah checkpoint, the only land route connecting Gaza and Egypt. After 20 trucks passed, the checkpoint was closed again.
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.