King of Jordan visits Germany; calls for immediate global action to halt Gaza famine
ALBAWABA- Jordan's King Abdullah II met with German Chancellor Friedrich Merz in Berlin on Tuesday for high-level talks focused on the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza and broader regional stability.
The meeting, held at the Federal Chancellery, was followed by a joint press conference where both leaders emphasized the urgency of coordinated international action.
المستشار الألماني فريدريش ميرتس في استقبال جلالة الملك عبدالله الثاني لدى وصوله إلى مقر المستشارية الألمانية في برلين #الأردن #ألمانيا
His Majesty King Abdullah II is received by Chancellor of #Germany Friedrich Merz upon arrival at the Federal Chancellery in Berlin#Jordan pic.twitter.com/a4t3AAmMbK — RHC (@RHCJO) July 29, 2025
King Abdullah urged the global community to take immediate and unified steps to halt the worsening famine and suffering among Gaza's civilian population.
He stressed that aid must not be politicized and condemned the targeting of civilians seeking food as 'unconscionable.'
'The war in Gaza must end,' he stated. 'The humanitarian catastrophe has reached unspeakable levels.
We continue to call for an immediate and lasting ceasefire, respect for international humanitarian law, and unimpeded access for humanitarian aid throughout Gaza.'
Highlighting Jordan's ongoing humanitarian role, he noted that the kingdom has led regional efforts to deliver aid convoys, medical support, and safe passage for the wounded. He reaffirmed Jordan's commitment to supporting a two-state solution as the only viable path to lasting peace.
The leaders also addressed the importance of Syria's stability. King Abdullah emphasized that sustained international support is essential to prevent renewed conflict and help Syrians rebuild a stable and prosperous nation that reflects the country's diversity. Also Read Russia strikes prison in Ukraine, kills at least 17
On bilateral relations, both leaders underscored the strength of the Jordan-Germany partnership, rooted in shared values and cooperation across political, economic, and humanitarian fields.
Chancellor Merz announced Germany's plans to collaborate with Jordan to airlift aid into Gaza, underscoring Berlin's concern over the deteriorating situation in the enclave.
His comments came amid growing domestic pressure; a new public survey revealed that nearly three-quarters of Germans want their government to increase pressure on Israel to ease restrictions and facilitate humanitarian relief.
© 2000 - 2025 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Jordan Times
12 hours ago
- Jordan Times
Cabinet approves bylaws to regulate gov't committees, evaluate public sector leaders
- New administrative structure for Public Works Ministry endorsed - Proposed changes to traffic law to speed up vehicle auctions AMMAN — The Cabinet, during a session chaired by Prime Minister Jafar Hassan on Sunday, approved a new bylaw regulating government committees for the year 2025. The decision is part of ongoing efforts to control public spending, enhance institutional performance, and improve governance across the public sector by regulating the formation and operations of committees and limiting their proliferation, according to a Prime Ministry statement. Previously, the Cabinet had tasked the Minister of State for Legal Affairs and the Minister of State for Public Sector Modernisation with conducting a comprehensive review of existing government committees, including the allowances granted to their members. Based on the review, recommendations were submitted to the Cabinet to introduce stricter oversight, limit the formation of unnecessary committees and regulate financial compensation based on clear justifications. The new bylaw establishes a framework that promotes good governance in the formation and functioning of committees within government institutions. It also stipulates that appointments must be based on merit, competence, and relevant expertise. Under the regulation, committee meetings must be held during official working hours unless the nature of the task requires otherwise. In such cases, prior approval from the relevant authority is required. No financial compensation would be granted for meetings held during regular working hours. For those conducted outside these hours, compensation is capped at JD100 per month. Such meetings must be justified by specific factors, such as the nature of the task, distance from headquarters, or the need for extended hours. The regulation also requires committees to submit periodic reports verifying their compliance with the guidelines, and members must declare any potential conflicts of interest related to their committee work. The Cabinet also approved a new bylaw for the quantitative and qualitative evaluation of top public sector leadership positions, pursuant to Article 6 of Government Leadership Regulation No. 70 of 2024. The new bylaw ensures transparency and equity in determining salaries for high-ranking positions and establishes a unified mechanism for salary structuring. The evaluation bylaw would apply to new leadership appointments after its enforcement and to existing positions when contracts are renewed or salary increases are proposed. A specialised committee would assess each position based on a range of indicators, including required skills, the size of the institution in terms of human and financial resources, and the scope of responsibilities. The final salary determination would be subject to Cabinet approval The new approach replaces the 2023 job evaluation bylaw and is part of broader reforms to enhance public sector efficiency and accountability, according to the statement. In line with its commitment to institutional reform, the Cabinet approved a new administrative structure for the Ministry of Public Works and Housing. The 2025 regulation aims to improve the Ministry's ability to carry out its legislative duties, promote transparency, and align its internal structure with the national public sector modernisation roadmap. The reform also aligns with the Ministry's 2024–2026 strategic plan, enhancing coordination, decision-making efficiency, and eliminating overlapping responsibilities between departments and directorates. The Cabinet approved a new administrative regulation for the Orphans Fund Development Foundation, which provides a clear internal structure, defines responsibilities, and streamlines coordination among the Foundation's various departments to better fulfil its legal mandate. The Cabinet also endorsed amendments to the internal regulations of the Geologists Association for 2025. These changes, approved earlier by the Association's general assembly, aim to address a growing financial deficit caused by a mismatch between membership fee revenues and the union's annual expenditures, the statement read. The Cabinet approved the reasoning behind proposed amendments to the Traffic Law for 2025, which would be submitted to the Legislation and Opinion Bureau for review. The amendments aim to reduce the legal period a vehicle must remain impounded before it can be sold at public auction, from 24 months to 12 months, allowing authorities to recover costs sooner and avoid depreciation of vehicle value. Additionally, the amendments would permit the sale of mortgaged or judicially seized vehicles, with creditor or claimant rights transferred to the value of the vehicle after sale. The measure seeks to protect the interests of vehicle owners, creditors, and the government alike. The Cabinet also accepted the resignation of director general of the Department of Lands and Survey Ahmad Amoush.
Jordan Times
14 hours ago
- Jordan Times
Jordan's support, active diplomacy strengthen calls for Palestinian State — analysts
AMMAN — Jordan's support for Palestinian rights is gaining new momentum as 15 European countries, including France, the UK, Spain, and the Netherlands, announced this week that they are considering formally recognising the State of Palestine ahead of the UN General Assembly in September. In a joint statement issued Wednesday, the countries described recognition as 'a fundamental step towards achieving a two-state solution,' and called on the international community to join in the push. The announcement drew immediate condemnation from Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, currently wanted by the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes in Gaza, who labelled the move 'punishment for the victim' and warned that a Palestinian state would pose threat to Europe. Speaking at an international conference in New York attended by foreign ministers and senior diplomats, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ayman Safadi reaffirmed Jordan's long-standing position that a two-state solution is 'the only path to peace.' 'The devastation in Gaza is a grim testament to the international community's failure to uphold international law,' Safadi said. 'Undermining the two-state solution leaves only a deep-rooted discriminatory regime that erodes the last vestiges of legality.' Safadi welcomed the European initiative, particularly France's announcement, describing it as 'a clear stand with peace and legality,' and urged other nations to follow suit. The diplomatic shift has been welcomed by Palestinian officials. Hussein Sheikh, deputy head of the Palestinian Authority, praised the conference declaration, which included calls for recognition of Palestinian statehood, a revival of the two-state track, adherence to international law, and an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Bader Madi, a political sociology professor, said the growing momentum reflects increasing international recogniton that occupation and peace cannot coexist. 'There is only one path to a just peace that ensures security and stability for our region: a two-state solution that ends occupation and establishes an independent, sovereign Palestinian state on the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital,' Madi said. He warned that failure to act is already visible in Gaza's humanitarian catastrophe. 'Mothers are watching their children fade away without food, water, or medicine,' he said, adding that settlement expansion and violations in the West Bank are destroying any prospects for peace. Madi also cited regional concerns, pointing to Israeli strikes in Syria and violations of the ceasefire with Lebanon. He called for an immediate halt to the aggression in Gaza, the opening of all crossings for humanitarian aid, and the success of mediation efforts by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States to facilitate a prisoner exchange. Strategic and security analyst Omar Raddad said the European shift marks a significant departure from past positions, especially in capitals like London and Paris. 'These moves appear more serious than symbolic political gestures or responses to domestic public opinion,' Raddad noted. 'But their implementation will require time, Palestinian unity, and acceptance from both Israel and the United States.' He added that increased international pressure may be needed, but 'there are now genuine opportunities for tangible breakthroughs in favour of Palestinian statehood.' Raddad also linked the recognition efforts to broader plans for the post-war situation in Gaza, suggesting that continued recognition could help bring the conflict to an end. 'US envoy Amos Hochstein's recent visit included a comprehensive proposal, not just a truce, but a full package, suggesting potential U.S. engagement in a more permanent solution,' he said. As the UN General Assembly approaches, regional and international actors appear to be aligning for what could become a pivotal moment in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, one in which Jordan's consistent stance is playing a critical role.
Jordan Times
17 hours ago
- Jordan Times
Jordan, allies airdrop aid into besieged Gaza –JAF
AMMAN —The Jordan Armed Forces- Arab Army (JAF) on Sunday conducted seven airdrops of humanitarian aid into the besieged Gaza Strip, in cooperation UAE, France, Germany and Belgium. Two aircraft from the Royal Jordanian Air Force, two from Germany, one from the United Arab Emirates, one from France, and one from Belgium participated in the airdrops, according to a JAF statement. The planes delivered a total of 61 tonnes of aid into Gaza, as part of a joint international effort to deliver urgent humanitarian assistance starving population in the war-torn Strip. Members of the Senate's National Guidance and Media Committee accompanied the airdrop missions to observe Jordan's humanitarian and relief efforts firsthand, the statement said. To date, the JAF have conducted 421 airdrops, including 284 coordinated with allied and partner countries. Since airdrop operations resumed last week, approximately 262 tons of aid have been delivered.
