At the Extraordinary Arab Summit, King Abdullah II of Jordan delivered a compelling address emphasizing the urgency of Arab coordination and unity in addressing the challenges facing the Palestinian cause. The summit, hosted by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi, convened Arab leaders to discuss critical regional issues.
Reaffirming support for Palestine
King Abdullah II reaffirmed unwavering support for the Palestinian people in their pursuit of full legitimate rights, including an independent and sovereign state based on the two-state solution. He stressed that this is the only viable path to achieving lasting peace, security, and stability in the region.
With the Palestinian cause at a critical juncture, the King called for immediate collective action to counter any attempts to undermine Palestinian rights or impose unilateral solutions. He also condemned Israel’s blockade on humanitarian aid to Gaza, describing it as a violation of international law.
Key priorities for regional stability
King Abdullah outlined four key priorities that require immediate attention:
- Rejection of forced displacement and land annexation
The King firmly opposed any attempts to displace Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza, emphasizing that such actions violate international law. He also called for a robust plan to rebuild Gaza, seeking international support for reconstruction efforts. - Strengthening the Palestinian national authority
Jordan supports reform efforts within the Palestinian National Authority to enhance governance and service provision. The King also stressed the need for a clear and actionable vision for the administration of Gaza, ensuring its connection to the West Bank and maintaining security. - Halting escalations in West Bank and protecting holy sites
King Abdullah highlighted the growing threats to Palestinians in the West Bank and the need to prevent further displacement. He called for an end to violations of Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, particularly during Ramadan, warning against extremist provocations that could escalate tensions. He reaffirmed Jordan’s historic role under the Hashemite Custodianship in safeguarding these religious sites. - Reaffirming the two-state solution
The King reiterated that the two-state solution remains the only viable framework for a just and comprehensive peace. He emphasized the necessity of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, warning that without a clear political horizon, the region would face continued conflict and instability.
Urgent humanitarian and reconstruction efforts
Since the onset of Israel’s war on Gaza, Jordan has maintained a steadfast stance against displacement and efforts to undermine Palestinian sovereignty. King Abdullah called for an immediate regional and international initiative to address the destruction and humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He emphasized the need for continued aid, including shelter, medical support, and food, reaffirming Jordan’s commitment to providing assistance by land and air.
A call for practical action
Concluding his address, King Abdullah urged Arab leaders to take concrete steps to support the Palestinian people, ease their suffering, and mobilize international efforts to halt escalations. He emphasized that peace cannot be achieved through military force, displacement, or denial of fundamental rights but rather through a just and lasting resolution that upholds Palestinian self-determination.
The summit concluded with calls for unified Arab action to address ongoing challenges and reinforce a collective commitment to peace and stability in the region.
