King of Jordan Receives UAE Delegation

Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan with Jordan's King Abdullah II in Jordan on Saturday - WAM
Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan with Jordan's King Abdullah II in Jordan on Saturday - WAM
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King of Jordan Receives UAE Delegation

Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan with Jordan's King Abdullah II in Jordan on Saturday - WAM
Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed Al Nahyan with Jordan's King Abdullah II in Jordan on Saturday - WAM

King Abdullah II of Jordan received on Saturday a UAE delegation led by Sheikh Tahnoun bin Zayed, the UAE's National Security Adviser.

During the meeting, they discussed bilateral relations and ways to enhance joint cooperation, especially in the economic fields.

They also touched on opportunities to diversify investment projects to serve the common interests of the two countries.

For his part, Sheikh Tahnoun passed on greetings from President Sheikh Khalifa and Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and deputy supreme commander of the Armed Forces, and their wishes of further wellbeing, prosperity, and development of the people of Jordan, state news agency WAM reported.

Also, King Abdullah II asked Sheikh Tahnoun to convey his greetings to Sheikh Khalifa and Sheikh Mohamed, wishing the people of the UAE continued prosperity and progress as well.

During the meeting, both sides exchanged their views on the latest regional and international issues of mutual concern.

Jordan News Agency (Petra) revealed that the talks covered efforts to reach a political solution to regional crises, and the importance of maintaining coordination on issues of mutual concern, namely the Palestinian cause.



Hamas Rejects Netanyahu’s Claim Military Pressure Helped Secure Hostage Release 

People watch a live broadcast of Israeli-American soldier Edan Alexander as he is released from Hamas captivity in Gaza, at a plaza known as the hostages square in Tel Aviv, Monday, May 12, 2025. (AP)
People watch a live broadcast of Israeli-American soldier Edan Alexander as he is released from Hamas captivity in Gaza, at a plaza known as the hostages square in Tel Aviv, Monday, May 12, 2025. (AP)
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Hamas Rejects Netanyahu’s Claim Military Pressure Helped Secure Hostage Release 

People watch a live broadcast of Israeli-American soldier Edan Alexander as he is released from Hamas captivity in Gaza, at a plaza known as the hostages square in Tel Aviv, Monday, May 12, 2025. (AP)
People watch a live broadcast of Israeli-American soldier Edan Alexander as he is released from Hamas captivity in Gaza, at a plaza known as the hostages square in Tel Aviv, Monday, May 12, 2025. (AP)

Hamas on Tuesday rejected Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's claim that military pressure had helped secure the release of US-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander from Gaza a day earlier.

"The return of Edan Alexander is the result of serious communications with the US administration and the efforts of mediators, not a consequence of Israeli aggression or the illusion of military pressure," Hamas said in a statement, adding that "Netanyahu is misleading his people".

Hamas released Alexander who had been held hostage in Gaza for more than 19 months, offering a goodwill gesture toward the Trump administration that could lay the groundwork for a new ceasefire with Israel.

Alexander, 21, was the first hostage released since Israel shattered an eight-week ceasefire with Hamas in March and unleashed fierce strikes on Gaza that have killed hundreds of Palestinians.

Israel has promised to intensify its offensive, including by seizing Gaza and displacing much of the territory's population again.

Days before the ceasefire ended, Israel blocked all imports from entering the Palestinian enclave, deepening a humanitarian crisis and sparking warnings about the risk of famine if the blockade isn’t lifted. Israel says the steps are meant to pressure Hamas to accept a ceasefire agreement on Israel’s terms.