Amman, March 12 (Petra) – The Senate’s Palestine Committee, led by Senator Mazen Darwazeh, met on Wednesday with EU Ambassador to Jordan Pierre-Christophe Chatzisavas, Director of UNRWA Affairs in Jordan, Olaf Becker, and Director-General of Department of Palestinian Affairs (DPA) at the Foreign Ministry Rafiq Khirfan to discuss developments in the Palestinian issue and regional challenges.

Darwazeh reaffirmed Jordan’s unwavering support for the Palestinian cause, stressing that regional stability hinges on Palestinian self-determination and the establishment of a Palestinian state. He highlighted His Majesty King Abdullah II’s steadfast stance in advocating for a two-state solution and rejecting forced displacement while underscoring the significance of the Hashemite Custodianship over Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.

The senator also commended the EU’s support for the Palestinian cause and UNRWA, emphasizing the importance of sustained cooperation in advancing peace efforts. He called on the international community to fulfill its legal and humanitarian obligations toward Palestinian refugees and take action to halt Israeli settlement expansion.

Ambassador Chatzisavas noted that the meeting followed the recent Arab League extraordinary summit in Cairo, where an Arab plan for Gaza’s reconstruction was adopted. He stressed that the EU’s participation in the summit, led by European Council President Ant?nio Costa, reaffirmed its alignment with Jordan’s position on rejecting forced displacement and ensuring a just and lasting peace.

The envoy reiterated the EU’s commitment to international law and support for Jordan’s role in protecting Jerusalem’s holy sites. He also emphasized the significance of King Abdullah’s visit to the EU at the start of the Gaza war, which reinforced the bloc’s stance on a two-state solution, ending hostilities, and ensuring humanitarian aid access.

Chatzisavas praised Jordan’s humanitarian efforts, particularly King Abdullah’s initiative to provide medical treatment for 2,000 children from Gaza, and affirmed that the EU would follow suit in assisting Gazan children.

UNRWA Affairs Director Olaf Becker highlighted the agency’s continued humanitarian efforts despite political and financial challenges, noting increased pressure to dismantle UNRWA’s mandate. He warned that the Israeli Knesset’s recent decision to ban UNRWA from operating in Palestinian territories further complicates aid delivery.

Becker expressed gratitude for Jordan’s steadfast support of UNRWA, emphasizing King Abdullah’s diplomatic efforts in rallying international backing for the agency. He pointed out that political developments have affected UNRWA’s funding, as some donor countries have **suspended financial contributions.

The UN official also cautioned against Israeli plans to forcibly displace residents from refugee camps in the West Bank, noting that thousands have already been displaced.

Foreign Ministry official Rafiq Khirfan reaffirmed King’s commitment to sustaining UNRWA’s humanitarian role, warning that the agency’s crisis threatens its ability to provide essential services.

He stressed that there is no viable alternative to UNRWA and emphasized its symbolic significance in the Palestinian cause.

//Petra// AF

12/03/2025 16:51:28