Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi (R) shakes hands with Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto during their meeting in Amman, Jordan, on May 22, 2024. Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said on Wednesday the situation in the West Bank was worsening, blaming Israel's "illegal and repressive measures" for killing opportunities for peace. Safadi made the remarks during a joint press conference in Amman with visiting Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto. (Photo by Mohammad Abu Ghosh/Xinhua)
AMMAN, May 22 (Xinhua) -- Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said on Wednesday the situation in the West Bank was worsening, blaming Israel's "illegal and repressive measures" for killing opportunities for peace.
Safadi made the remarks during a joint press conference in Amman with visiting Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto.
Speaking of the visit on Wednesday by Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in East Jerusalem, Safadi said the "provocative" action "violated international law and the historical and legal status quo of the holy sites, which will only lead to further escalation."
The priorities are to stop the aggression on Gaza, lift all restrictions imposed by Israel to allow for the entry and adequate distribution of aid to Gaza, and work for the comprehensive and just peace in the region, which will not be achieved without a two-state solution, he stressed.
Safadi also welcomed the decisions made by Norway, Ireland, and Spain to recognize the State of Palestine, adding "other European countries are also on this path."
Szijjarto, for his part, said this year marks the 60th anniversary of the establishment of ties with Jordan, and praised Jordan's role in the region.
Noting that the current war in Gaza poses a security threat even to Europe, the Hungarian minister said his country rejects all forms of terrorism and extremism, calling for the protection of civilians, the immediate and adequate delivery and distribution of humanitarian aid, and the release of all hostages, including a Hungarian citizen.
Szijjarto lauded Jordan for its significant role in supporting refugees. The minister said that during the upcoming Hungary's presidency of the European Union (EU), starting on July 1, Hungary would like to convene the EU-Jordan Joint Council to discuss EU's support for Jordan to alleviate the burden on Europe from future migration waves. ■
Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi (R) meets with Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto in Amman, Jordan, on May 22, 2024. Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said on Wednesday the situation in the West Bank was worsening, blaming Israel's "illegal and repressive measures" for killing opportunities for peace. Safadi made the remarks during a joint press conference in Amman with visiting Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto. (Photo by Mohammad Abu Ghosh/Xinhua)
Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi (R) and Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto attend a joint press conference in Amman, Jordan, on May 22, 2024. Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said on Wednesday the situation in the West Bank was worsening, blaming Israel's "illegal and repressive measures" for killing opportunities for peace. Safadi made the remarks during a joint press conference in Amman with visiting Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto. (Photo by Mohammad Abu Ghosh/Xinhua)
