The King of Jordan, Abdullah II, spoke to international audiences including the United Nations and other global institutions amid the Israel-Hamas conflict in the Gaza Strip. Reports from Al Jazeera attributed to the royal office indicate that the monarch urged the international community to press Israel to approve expanded humanitarian aid for Palestinians in Gaza. His message centered on the urgent need to safeguard civilians and ensure that aid reaches those most in need, even as fighting continues to disrupt life in the enclave.
According to the briefing, the king appealed for concerted action from the international aid network to intensify relief efforts. The statement highlighted that survivors of a brutal war remain in the territory, where homes have been destroyed and living conditions have deteriorated severely. The emphasis was on mobilizing resources and removing impediments that delay essential assistance for Gazan civilians.
Al Jazeera noted that the King delivered these remarks during a meeting in Amman attended by representatives from the United Nations, leaders of Western non-governmental organizations, and Arab donors. The monarch specifically argued that restricting humanitarian channels from Israel would be unacceptable, urging a pragmatic approach that keeps aid flowing to affected communities while diplomatic efforts pursue a broader peace process.
In late October, Hamas launched a large-scale rocket campaign against Israel, declaring the start of what it named Operation Al-Aqsa Flood. The offensive saw thousands of militants cross into Israeli territory, seize military assets, and capture a substantial number of individuals. In response, Israel launched Operation Iron Sword in Gaza, pledging to dismantle the armed group. The ensuing military actions contributed to a blockade of the Gaza Strip, widespread bombardments, and calls for the evacuation of a substantial portion of the population toward southern areas to minimize casualties.
On November 22, Israel signaled an agreement with Hamas aimed at releasing hostages held in Gaza. The framework proposed a four-day ceasefire during which Hamas would release 50 women and children, with Red Cross teams granted access to remaining captives to provide medical care and monitoring. Israel’s permanent representative to the United Nations stated that operations would resume after the pause, with ongoing efforts to address outstanding humanitarian and security concerns in the Palestinian region. The ceasefire began operating on November 24, marking a temporary halt in hostilities and opening space for humanitarian access and negotiations.
Earlier reporting suggested tensions over compliance with humanitarian law in Gaza, with concerns raised about the conduct of various parties involved in the conflict. The international community continues to call for adherence to humanitarian norms and for protective measures that safeguard civilians and civilian infrastructure while facilitating critical aid delivery and peaceful resolution efforts.