Leaders of Morocco, Jordan Reject All Israeli Unilateral Moves

Jordan's King Abdullah II and Moroccan King Mohammed VI hold summit talks in Casablanca on Thursday (Petra news agency)
Jordan's King Abdullah II and Moroccan King Mohammed VI hold summit talks in Casablanca on Thursday (Petra news agency)
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Leaders of Morocco, Jordan Reject All Israeli Unilateral Moves

Jordan's King Abdullah II and Moroccan King Mohammed VI hold summit talks in Casablanca on Thursday (Petra news agency)
Jordan's King Abdullah II and Moroccan King Mohammed VI hold summit talks in Casablanca on Thursday (Petra news agency)

Morocco and Jordan renewed on Thursday their full support for the Palestinian people in restoring their legitimate rights and enabling them to establish an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, based on international law, relevant UN resolutions, the Arab Peace Initiative, and the two-state solution.

During talks at the Royal Palace in Casablanca ahead of the Arab Summit in Tunisia, Jordan’s King Abdullah II and Moroccan King Mohammed VI rejected all Israeli unilateral measures and steps that aim to change the legal and historic status quo, the demographics, and the spiritual and historical identity of East Jerusalem, especially in the city’s Muslim and Christian holy sites.

In a joint communique released following their talks, the two kings affirmed the importance of the historical Hashemite Custodianship undertaken by King Abdullah over Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, noting its key role in safeguarding these sites and their Arab, Islamic, and Christian identity, especially Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Moroccan Foreign Minister Nasser Bourita and his Jordanian counterpart Ayman Safadi held a joint press conference in Casablanca to stress the importance of the summit.

Safadi said talks between the two Kings focused on the importance of joining efforts to end the Syrian crisis in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2254.

According to King Abdullah II and King Mohammed VI, the resolution will preserve the unity and cohesion of Syria, restore security and stability in the country, while also facilitating the return of Syrian refugees to their homeland to contribute to reconstruction efforts.

Safadi said King Mohammed VI applauded Jordan for welcoming large numbers of Syrian refugees.



US Says Committed to 'Diplomatic Resolution' in Lebanon

FILE - Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin speaks in Greenwich, London, Sept. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung, Pool, File)
FILE - Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin speaks in Greenwich, London, Sept. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung, Pool, File)
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US Says Committed to 'Diplomatic Resolution' in Lebanon

FILE - Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin speaks in Greenwich, London, Sept. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung, Pool, File)
FILE - Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin speaks in Greenwich, London, Sept. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung, Pool, File)

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stressed that the United States was dedicated to a diplomatic resolution in Lebanon and urged Israel to improve "dire" conditions in Gaza, in a call Saturday with his Israeli counterpart.

Austin "reiterated US commitment to a diplomatic resolution in Lebanon that allows Israeli and Lebanese civilians to return safely to their homes on both sides of the border" in his call with Israel Katz, according to a Pentagon spokesperson.

Austin also "urged the Government of Israel to continue to take steps to improve the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza and emphasized the US commitment to securing the release of all hostages, including US citizens."

Lebanon said Saturday that an Israeli air strike in the heart of Beirut that brought down a residential building and jolted residents across the city killed at least 11 people.

Israel stepped up its campaign against the Hezbollah militant group in late September, targeting its strongholds in Lebanon.

Lebanon's health ministry says at least 3,645 people have been killed since October 2023, when Hezbollah began trading fire with Israel in solidarity with its Palestinian ally Hamas.

The United Nations and others have repeatedly decried humanitarian conditions, particularly in northern Gaza, where Israel said Friday it had killed two commanders involved in Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack.

In the call with Katz, Austin also discussed ongoing Israeli operations and reaffirmed Washington's "ironclad commitment to Israel's security," the Pentagon said.