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Jordan's King: Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza Needed to Avert Humanitarian Catastrophe

Jordan's King Abdullah II and European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen. Petra news agency
Jordan's King Abdullah II and European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen. Petra news agency
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Jordan's King: Immediate Ceasefire in Gaza Needed to Avert Humanitarian Catastrophe

Jordan's King Abdullah II and European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen. Petra news agency
Jordan's King Abdullah II and European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen. Petra news agency

Jordan's King Abdullah II said on Sunday the international community should push for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza to stop a humanitarian catastrophe caused by what he termed Israel's "ugly war against civilians.”

In remarks made during a meeting with European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen, the monarch said global powers should force Israel to comply with international law to protect civilians and ensure Israel heeds calls to allow uninterrupted flow of aid into the enclave.

More than two-thirds of Gaza's population of 2.3 million have fled their homes. The UN agency for Palestinian refugees, known as UNRWA, is providing basic services to hundreds of thousands of people sheltering in schools and other facilities.

More than 11,500 Palestinians have been killed, according to Palestinian health authorities. Another 2,700 have been reported missing, believed buried under rubble.

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Diplomatic Source: Germany Not Asked to Join Lebanon-Israel Monitoring Team

The German warship participating in UNIFIL fired missiles during exercises near Crete last month (dpa file photo)
The German warship participating in UNIFIL fired missiles during exercises near Crete last month (dpa file photo)
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Diplomatic Source: Germany Not Asked to Join Lebanon-Israel Monitoring Team

The German warship participating in UNIFIL fired missiles during exercises near Crete last month (dpa file photo)
The German warship participating in UNIFIL fired missiles during exercises near Crete last month (dpa file photo)

A Western diplomatic source told Asharq Al-Awsat that Germany has not been asked to join a proposed committee to monitor the implementation of UN Resolution 1701 if a ceasefire is reached between Lebanon’s Hezbollah and Israel.

This clarification removes a potential obstacle to the US-brokered proposal, which Washington discussed with Lebanese officials after receiving their feedback.

The proposal suggests replacing the current monitoring mechanism—a military committee led by UNIFIL and involving Lebanese and Israeli army representatives—with a five-member committee including the US, France, Britain, Germany, and an Arab state.

Hezbollah opposes the inclusion of Germany and Britain.

The source confirmed that the nature of the proposed committee—whether military or civilian—has not been decided and depends on ongoing negotiations.

They also noted that Germany has no direct contact with Hezbollah, which it considers a terrorist organization.

Lebanese negotiators proposed expanding the existing tripartite committee to include the US and France, inspired by the April 1996 Understanding.

While Hezbollah objects to Britain and Germany, it appears to accept US involvement, likely due to Washington's influence over Israel and its mediating role in the talks.

Four European countries play key roles in UNIFIL operations in Lebanon. Germany leads the naval task force, Spain oversees the eastern sector, Italy manages the western sector, and France handles patrols in the operational area.

Since 2006, Germany has led UNIFIL’s Maritime Task Force, tasked with protecting Lebanon’s waters, preventing arms smuggling, and training the Lebanese Navy. It often heads the force, which includes countries like Türkiye and Greece, thanks to its expertise and resources.