Biden and Jordan's King Talk as US Works to Avert Regional War
Jordanian Leader Stresses Importance of US Role in Halting Gaza Fighting, Reaching Truce
US President Joe Biden spoke with Jordan's King Abdullah II on Tuesday about the escalating violence in the Gaza Strip and efforts to broker a ceasefire.
The two leaders discussed the "urgent need to end the violence in Gaza, protect civilians, and restore calm," according to a statement released by the White House.
"President Biden reaffirmed the United States' commitment to supporting a two-state solution and to working with both Israelis and Palestinians towards that goal," the statement added.
King Abdullah II emphasized the "important role of the United States in stopping the war in Gaza and reaching a just and lasting peace," according to Jordan's state news agency, Petra.
The conversation between Biden and Abdullah II came as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was visiting the region in an attempt to mediate an end to the fighting.
The violence in Gaza erupted on May 10 when Hamas, the militant group that controls the territory, fired rockets into Israel in response to Israeli police actions at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem.
The Israeli military has since carried out airstrikes on Gaza, while Hamas and other militant groups have continued to fire rockets into Israel.
The fighting has killed hundreds of people, including civilians, and has caused widespread damage to infrastructure in both Gaza and Israel.
The international community has called for an immediate ceasefire, but efforts to mediate an end to the violence have so far failed.
The US has been criticized for not doing enough to stop the fighting, but Biden has said that he is "committed to doing everything possible to bring an end to the conflict."
The conversation between Biden and Abdullah II is a sign that the US is stepping up its efforts to mediate an end to the violence in Gaza.
Komentar