Jordan, Israel and Gaza
King Abdullah II of Jordan has strongly recommended that Israel stop its raids on the Gaza Strip to prevent an escalating military operation. This was discussed when the King spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak. Abdullah is concerned that any major action or operation taking place in Gaza will have significant effects on Jordan. The Israeli side has made it clear that if there are attacks on communities near Gaza, Israel would have no choice but to respond.
According to the Jerusalem Post, the pan-Arab newspaper Al-Hayat reported that King Abdullah discussed the need to continue in the effort for a two-state solution between the Israelis and the Palestinians. The King also said, “The establishment of a Palestinian state is a strategic interest of Jordan and a precondition for regional peace.”
Kasey Malcoun
