New York, Jan. 21 (Petra) -- Jordan has reiterated the importance of a full commitment to the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, stressing that it is essential for alleviating civilian suffering and stabilizing the situation in Gaza, the wider Palestinian territories, and the entire region.

During a session at the UN Security Council, Jordan's Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Mahmoud Hmoud, called for immediate international action to secure sufficient and sustainable humanitarian aid for Gaza, in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis caused by the Israeli war in Gaza.

Hmoud noted that the war has resulted in tens of thousands of Palestinian civilian casualties, hundreds of thousands of injuries, widespread displacement, and the deprivation of basic healthcare services. He condemned the attacks targeting UN staff, humanitarian workers, healthcare professionals, and journalists.

"The scale of this humanitarian catastrophe demands an urgent, comprehensive international response, ensuring the delivery of aid without restrictions and the protection of civilians, in line with international humanitarian law and relevant UN resolutions," Hmoud stated.

Hmoud emphasized the need for a coordinated international effort to rebuild Gaza, restore essential infrastructure, and meet the needs of affected residents. He highlighted the importance of cooperation to secure the financial and technical resources required for this process, ensuring unhindered access to materials while focusing on long-term sustainability.

He also pointed out that Jordan continues to provide humanitarian assistance to Gaza under the direct guidance of King Abdullah II, demonstrating the country's ongoing commitment to supporting the Palestinian people.

Hmoud outlined Jordan’s substantial contributions, noting that 141 humanitarian aid convoys, consisting of 5,127 trucks, have been sent to Gaza via land routes, delivering over 65,000 tons of supplies. Furthermore, Jordan has conducted 391 airlift operations during the war to deliver aid to various regions of Gaza.

He stressed that Jordan is committed to increasing its humanitarian support for Gaza and is ready to collaborate with international partners to ensure the effective delivery of aid through its territory. Additionally, Jordan’s field hospitals will continue to offer medical services to Gaza’s residents, with expanded efforts underway, including the "Hope Restoration Campaign" to provide prosthetics and medical care to over 16,000 amputees.

Hmoud also urged the international community to use the current ceasefire as an opportunity to advance the goal of a just and lasting peace, based on a two-state solution. He reiterated the importance of establishing an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital, as outlined in international law, UN resolutions, and the Arab Peace Initiative.

He reaffirmed Jordan's commitment to working with regional and international partners to achieve peace and prevent further conflict.

Hmoud expressed deep concern over Israel’s ongoing actions in the occupied Palestinian territories, which undermine the prospects for a two-state solution. He specifically condemned Israel's efforts to alter the legal and historical status of Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram Al-Sharif, warning that such actions violate international law and Israel's obligations as the occupying power.

He called for full respect of the status quo at Al-Aqsa Mosque, as it existed before 2000, emphasizing that the mosque is a place of worship exclusively for Muslims. Hmoud also reiterated Jordan's exclusive legal authority, through the Jerusalem Awqaf and Al-Aqsa Mosque Affairs Department, to manage and regulate the site.

Hmoud stressed the pivotal role of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) in maintaining regional stability. He underscored that no other entity is capable of providing the essential services that UNRWA offers to Palestinian refugees, particularly in Gaza and other areas of operation.

He condemned Israeli legislation that aims to restrict UNRWA's activities in the occupied territories, including East Jerusalem, and called for immediate international intervention to support the agency's efforts.

In closing, Hmoud called for collective action to ensure the continuation of the ceasefire, facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza, and work toward a two-state solution. He expressed optimism that, through renewed international collaboration, the region could move toward a future of peace, security, and stability.

"Together, we can restore hope to the people of the region and move forward toward a lasting peace," Hmoud concluded.

//Petra// RZ

21/01/2025 10:35:16