US Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip with Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Thursday, as confirmed by the State Department. The conflict is now in its 153rd day.
During their phone call, Blinken expressed gratitude to Safadi for Jordan’s collaborative efforts in providing Palestinian humanitarian aid, as stated in a press release from the State Department.
The conversation primarily focused on endeavors to secure “an urgent and sustainable ceasefire” in Gaza for a minimum of six weeks, as part of a broader agreement aimed at facilitating the release of hostages and enhancing humanitarian assistance.
US Secretary of State (Credits: The Times of Israel)
Blinken underscored the critical importance of upholding the historical status quo of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem.
Since an October 7, 2023 Hamas attack, which Tel Aviv alleges resulted in nearly 1,200 casualties, Israel has launched a lethal military campaign in the Gaza Strip.
Subsequently, more than 30,700 Palestinians have lost their lives, and over 72,000 others have sustained injuries amidst widespread destruction and shortages of essential resources.
The Israeli blockade on the Gaza Strip has further exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, particularly affecting residents in the northern region, who are on the brink of starvation.
As a consequence of the Israeli military operation, 85% of Gaza’s population has been displaced internally, grappling with severe scarcities of food, clean water, and medication.
Additionally, approximately 60% of the enclave’s infrastructure has been either damaged or demolished, according to reports from the United Nations.
Israel faces accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice, with an interim ruling issued in January mandating Tel Aviv to cease genocidal acts and implement measures ensuring the provision of humanitarian aid to Gaza’s civilian population.
