Jordan’s ambassador to the US has advocated for a cease-fire in the conflict between Israel and Hamas, expressing concern that the ongoing war could exacerbate radicalism.
Ambassador Dina Kawar emphasized the potential orphaning of up to 18,000 children in Gaza and urged for international cooperation, particularly with Arab and Islamic countries, to bring about a resolution through negotiations. Kawar questioned the effectiveness of Israel’s strategy, criticizing the evacuation orders for Gaza civilians and warning that the current violence may escalate further, causing regional instability. King Abdullah of Jordan has similarly called for an immediate cease-fire and the entry of humanitarian aid into the region. The U.S. stance leans towards a temporary cease-fire for aid delivery, while Israel remains committed to dismantling Hamas. Kawar expressed concern about the impact of the conflict on Jordan-Israel relations and urged a return to negotiations.
Israel and Hamas seem to be approaching a potential agreement involving the release of a significant number of hostages. This deal might entail a limited ceasefire and the release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails. Senior officials from the U.S. and Israel, along with the Qatari prime minister, have indicated that an agreement is nearing completion. However, caution is advised as public statements during such negotiations can be misleading, and any potential deal may be fragile.
A report quoting an unnamed Hamas source claiming that an agreement was reached on Sunday for a ceasefire starting Monday and the release of hostages was denied by a senior Israeli source and a senior member of Hamas. It’s important to note that the situation is dynamic, and developments may occur that could impact the outcome of these negotiations. the US has advocated
In a separate matter, Japan is urging Yemen’s Houthis, who have seized a cargo ship in the southern Red Sea, to release the vessel and its crew swiftly. Japan is seeking assistance from Saudi, Omani, and Iranian authorities in this matter. The ship reportedly had 22 crew members, including individuals from Bulgaria and the Philippines, according to Japan’s Nikkei newspaper.