Jordan's King Calls on Macron to Urge Israel End Gaza war

King Abdullah and President Macron during their meeting in Amman on Wednesday. (Reuters)
King Abdullah and President Macron during their meeting in Amman on Wednesday. (Reuters)
TT

Jordan's King Calls on Macron to Urge Israel End Gaza war

King Abdullah and President Macron during their meeting in Amman on Wednesday. (Reuters)
King Abdullah and President Macron during their meeting in Amman on Wednesday. (Reuters)

Jordan's King Abdullah II told French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday that ending the war on the Gaza Strip is an urgent necessity and warned there could otherwise be an "explosion" in the region.

In a royal court statement, the monarch told Macron Israel should be pressured by the international community to stop the war, protect the civilians, and end its siege of the Strip.

"We are against any attempt by Israel to create an exodus of Palestinians or internally displace the inhabitants of Gaza," King Abdullah stressed.

Moreover, they looked into international efforts in pursuit of an end to the cycle of violence, while reaching a political horizon that ends the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, guarantees security, and achieves just and comprehensive peace based on the two-state solution.

King Abdullah also warned of the deteriorating humanitarian crisis in the enclave, highlighting the importance of securing the delivery of humanitarian aid.

On Wednesday, the monarch also welcomed a delegation from the UK House of Commons, headed by Foreign Affairs Committee Chair MP Alicia Kearns, at Al Husseiniya Palace.

At the meeting, King Abdullah renewed his call for the immediate stop of the war on Gaza and the protection of civilians, highlighting the UK’s important role in pushing towards stopping the war and protecting vital and medical facilities in the strip.

He warned of the rapidly deteriorating situation in Gaza, stressing the need for the delivery of humanitarian aid without interruption.

The King also warned against the catastrophic repercussions of the spillover of the war into the region.



Islamabad: 50,000 Pakistanis Are Missing in Iraq

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
TT

Islamabad: 50,000 Pakistanis Are Missing in Iraq

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)
Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala. (EPA)

Pakistan’s Minister of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Chaudhry Salik Hussain sparked controversy when he revealed that 50,000 Pakistanis have gone missing in Iraq over the years.

He urged the Baghdad government to immediately launch a probe into how the Pakistanis entered Iraq to visit religious sites during the month of Muharram, he was quoted as saying by Pakistan’s Ummat newspaper.

Islamabad is investigating how people have traveled outside Pakistan through illegal means, he remarked.

The permanent committee for religious affairs and interfaith harmony has since proposed new policies for trips to holy sites in foreign countries, including Iraq.

In Iraq, the minister’s comments drew mockery and condemnation on social media and sparked renewed debate over illegal workers in the country.

Politician Mishaan al-Juburi urged the government to make a statement over Hussain’s comments, warning that they may impact security and the labor force.

Hussain’s comments coincided with Iraqi police announcing the arrest of six Pakistanis in Baghdad on charges of theft.

Previously, military intelligence also announced the arrest of a nine-member Pakistani kidnapping and extortion gang in Baghdad. The gang had kidnapped foreigners for ransom.

Meanwhile, Labor Minister Ahmed al-Asadi expressed his concern and condemnation over the increasing number of illegal workers in Iraq.

He said his ministry will investigate the disappearance of the Pakistanis.

He confirmed that several tourists, including Pakistanis, have flocked to Iraq in recent days, and many have taken up employment without the necessary legal permits.

He warned that this phenomenon is negatively impacting the national economy.

The ministry will not be lenient in taking the necessary legal measures against the violators, he vowed.

Iraq welcomes all tourists, whether they are here on a religious visit or otherwise, but they must respect local laws and regulations, declared Asadi.

Every year, millions of Shiites flock to religious sites in Iraq’s Najaf and Karbala.