Ammon News - His Majesty King Abdullah II on Wednesday called for stepping up the international humanitarian response in Gaza.

During meetings on Capitol Hill with US Congress leaders from the Senate and House of Representatives, as well as chairs and members of a number of key committees in the two chambers, His Majesty stressed the need for immediate action to pressure Israel in order to ensure the adequate and sustained flow of relief and medical aid into the Strip.

The King reiterated the need to reach an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and push for a political horizon to achieve just and comprehensive peace on the basis of the two-state solution, while guaranteeing the fulfilment of Palestinians’ legitimate rights, noting the United States’ important role in supporting peace efforts.

His Majesty warned that failure to stop the war on Gaza will expand conflict in the region and lead to the continuation of the cycle of violence, stressing the need to work towards comprehensive calm in the region.

The King called for stepping up efforts to ensure the success of the ceasefire in Lebanon, reaffirming Jordan's rejection of anything that threatens Syria's security and stability.

His Majesty also reiterated Jordan’s rejection of any attempts to displace Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza, noting that violence against Palestinians by extremist settlers and violations of Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem must stop immediately.

The King warned of the consequences of the decision to ban UNRWA’s activities, highlighting the importance of maintaining support for the agency as a lifeline for nearly 2 million Palestinians in Gaza.

The meetings also covered the strategic partnership between Jordan and the United States, as well as ways to expand it, with the King expressing appreciation for the US’ ongoing support for the Kingdom across multiple development projects and programmes.

Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, Director of the Office of His Majesty Alaa Batayneh, and Jordan’s Ambassador to the United States Dina Kawar attended the meetings.