Foreign Minister Abdul-Ilah al-Khatib
Photo: AP
King Abdullah
Photo: Yousef A. Allan
Jordanian FM says Gaza violence 'heartbreaking'
Jordanian foreign minister tells Israeli-Arab MKs visiting Hashemite Kingdom he is pained and concerned by infighting in PA, lauds them for promoting peace in region. MKs to meet King Abdullah Sunday
"The sights of violence in Gaza are heartbreaking," Jordan's Foreign Minister Abdul-Ilah al-Khatib said Saturday, in response to the ongoing infighting in the Palestinian Authority.
The Jordanian minister met Saturday with a delegation of Israeli-Arab Knesset members who are visiting Amman. The Israeli MKs were told that Jordan is pained and concerned by the bloodshed in Gaza.
PA Clashes
After Fatah forces raid and vandalize Hamas government office building, Hamas gunmen set fire to headquarters of Fatah’s Preventative Security Forces, burning it to the ground. Gun battles continue throughout Gaza, after brief Hamas-Fatah truce collapses
"This confrontation takes the Palestinian issue years back, and the heart is broken by these sights," al-Khatib said.
The delegation was invited to Amman by King Abdullah, who will meet the MKs Sunday.
The minister voiced his appreciation for the Arab MKs and their efforts to promote peace. He stated that Jordan will continue to serve as a second home to the Arab public, and continue to assist Israeli Arabs with student scholarships and the pilgrimage to Mecca (the Hajj).
At the end of the meeting, MK Nadia Hilou (Labor) said she welcomes the Jordanian king's initiative, saying, "This initiative will bring to a strengthening of the ties between the two states."
"Jordan plays an integral part in promoting the peace process, and is very much concerned with the serious situation the Palestinians have gotten into."
Ceasefire efforts
Meanwhile, efforts to calm to situation in Gaza have been exerted throughout the day. Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh published an urgent announcement calling for an immediate end to the violence between Palestinian factions in the Gaza Strip.
Hamas' Islamic University in Gaza in ruins (Photo: AFP)
Haniyeh urged Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to order his forces to honor the ceasefire.
Speaking from outside the compound of the PM's house, Haniyeh said, "I sent an urgent message – all gunmen must hold their fire immediately, in order to allow the security forces to return to their bases."
Palestinian Interior Minister Saeed Seyam said that the factions have agreed on an immediate implementation of the ceasefire in the Strip.
Seyam stated that he met with head of the General Security in Gaza, Rashid Abu Shabaq, and they both agreed to order the force to withdraw from the streets.
