Recreate this content while optimizing it for SEO, enhancing its creativity and uniqueness, improving syntax and tone, increasing perplexity and burstiness, and retaining the HTML tags.
Unlock the Editor’s Digest for Free
Roula Khalaf, Editor of the FT, presents her curated selection of stories in this exclusive weekly newsletter.
Jordan Issues Stark Warning as Efforts Intensify to Prevent Israel-Hamas Conflict from Escalating
The Middle East finds itself teetering at the “edge of an abyss,” according to King Abdullah of Jordan, who has urged for urgent humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip. Speaking ahead of his summit with US president Joe Biden, King Abdullah emphasized the real threat of the Israel-Hamas conflict spreading across the region, cautioning that the costs would be detrimental for all parties involved.
King Abdullah’s concerns about destabilization stem from the fear of a significant inflow of Palestinians into Jordan, a country that shares borders with Israel and the occupied West Bank. To address this, the king asserted that Jordan would refuse to accept Palestinian refugees who may never be able to return to their homes.
This warning comes amidst escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, with Iranian-backed Islamist militants raising the possibility of “pre-emptive” attacks against Israel. Additionally, clashes between the Israeli military and Hezbollah, Iran’s ally in south Lebanon, have further heightened concerns.
King Abdullah and Egypt, which also borders the Gaza Strip, have made it clear that they will not accept refugees. Both leaders believe that the burden of this situation should be managed within Gaza and the West Bank, without putting pressure on neighboring countries.
Leaders Gather for Summit in Amman
Amidst the crisis, an emergency summit has been scheduled in Amman, bringing together Egyptian president Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Mahmoud Abbas, the president of the Palestinian Authority. President Biden will first visit Israel to show solidarity and attempt to influence the conduct of the war.
To demonstrate its commitment to the region’s security, the US has deployed 2,000 troops, with Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin issuing a “prepare to deploy” order. Furthermore, the US has warned Tehran against escalating the conflict and dispatched two aircraft carrier strike groups to deter Iran and Hezbollah.
Highlighting the international concern surrounding the situation, UN Secretary-General António Guterres is also set to travel to Egypt to assess the crisis first-hand.
The Challenge of Reopening the Rafah Border
Efforts to reopen the Rafah crossing between southern Gaza and Egypt, crucial for facilitating both the movement of refugees and the delivery of humanitarian aid, have been unsuccessful. While some foreign officials have suggested that Israel may allow people to leave Gaza for Egypt, Israel is reportedly resistant to the entry of humanitarian aid. On the other hand, Egypt has offered to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza, but only with the condition of permitting entry to individuals with dual citizenship.
Aid organizations remain concerned about the potential for a deteriorating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, as well as the risk of the conflict spreading to other areas. To address these issues, Turkey’s foreign minister has announced plans for a summit of regional leaders to discuss the conflict.
At the request of the US, an aid plan is being developed to ensure the prompt flow of assistance to Gaza residents and establish safe areas to protect civilians. Washington is also working towards securing the safe exit of third-country passport holders from Gaza.
Urgent Need for Aid and Alarming Casualties
Gaza is experiencing severe electricity and water shortages, as an Israeli blockade has persisted following Hamas attacks that resulted in the deaths of over 1,400 Israelis on October 7th. The Israeli military claims that Hamas is holding 199 hostages and has labeled a video released by the group as “psychological warfare.” Meanwhile, Palestinian health officials report that Israeli airstrikes have killed over 2,700 people, with more than 1,000 people still missing.
The situation for the 600,000 people who have fled to the south of Gaza is becoming increasingly dire, prompting growing concern from the United Nations.
The Israeli military remains active in targeting Hamas leaders and operatives in Gaza, as well as responding to missile attacks from Hezbollah on the border with Lebanon. The Israeli Defense Forces spokesperson has made it clear that the goal of the war is to completely dismantle Hamas and its military capabilities, changing the situation in southern Israel for generations.
Additional reporting by Donato Paolo Mancini and Mai Khaled
Denial of responsibility! Vigour Times is an automatic aggregator of Global media. In each content, the hyperlink to the primary source is specified. All trademarks belong to their rightful owners, and all materials to their authors. For any complaint, please reach us at – [email protected]. We will take necessary action within 24 hours.
