Jordan Cancels Four-Way Summit Amid Escalating Tensions in the Middle East
Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Tuesday announced the cancellation of a highly anticipated four-way summit involving U.S. President Joe Biden, Jordan’s King Abdullah II, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi, and Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas.
Tensions in the region reached a boiling point following an airstrike on Gaza’s Al Ahli Hospital, which reportedly resulted in the deaths of hundreds of people. While Israel’s military denied involvement, blaming the Islamic Jihad terror group, the incident further exacerbated the Israel-Hamas conflict.
Expressing concerns about the dangerous situation in the Middle East, Mr. Safadi revealed that the summit had been postponed, stating that the region was being pushed “to the brink.”
The summit was originally scheduled to take place in Amman, Jordan, following President Biden’s visit to Israel.
According to White House officials, the cancellation was a mutual decision after Mr. Abbas withdrew from the summit to observe three days of mourning for the hospital attack.
White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby explained, “There was a general feeling … that not going to Amman was the right thing to do.”
The White House had intended to address the recent Hamas attack on Israel, the status of hostages held by Hamas, and humanitarian aid for Gaza during the summit.
A senior Palestinian official confirmed Mr. Abbas’s withdrawal, which was a protest against the Gaza hospital airstrike.
The strike caused immense devastation, with the hospital engulfed in flames and bodies scattered across the grounds, including those of innocent children.
As accusations flew, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vehemently denied reports implicating Israel in the strike, emphasizing that it was carried out by “barbaric terrorists” in Gaza.
Islamic Jihad Fired ‘Barrage of Rockets’ Near Hospital: IDF
Leaders of the Iran-backed Hamas initially blamed Israel for the hospital strike, claiming over 500 lives were lost. However, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conducted an investigation and attributed responsibility to the Islamic Jihad, a smaller Iran-backed terror group that collaborates with Hamas.
A map supplied by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Oct. 17, 2023, showing the path of rockets fired by the Islamic Jihad Terror Organization toward Israel that they claim struck the Al Ahli Hospital. (Courtesy of IDF)
IDF spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari confirmed that the hospital was hit during a barrage of rockets fired by terrorists in Gaza, absolving Israel of responsibility.
President Biden, who departed Washington on Tuesday, is set to arrive in Israel on Wednesday to express support as Israeli forces continue operations in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip.
The White House updated the American death count since the start of the conflict to 31, with 13 Americans still unaccounted for.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
What does the postponement of the summit signify for the future of the Israel-Hamas conflict and the broader peace efforts in the Middle East
Amidst escalating tensions in the Middle East. The four-way summit was seen as an opportunity for leaders to discuss and find solutions to the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict and address the broader issues in the region.
The cancellation of the summit comes in the wake of an airstrike on Gaza’s Al Ahli Hospital, which led to the deaths of hundreds of people. While Israel’s military denied involvement and blamed the Islamic Jihad terror group, the incident further intensified the already volatile situation between Israel and Hamas. The attack on the hospital raised concerns about the indiscriminate use of force and the impact on civilian lives in the conflict.
Jordan’s Foreign Minister, Ayman Safadi, expressed his concerns about the dangerous situation in the Middle East and the region being pushed to the brink. This signaling of escalating tensions and violence led to the decision to postpone the summit. It is clear that the leaders recognized the urgency and sensitivity of the situation and believed it was prudent to prioritize stabilizing the region and preventing further escalation.
The cancellation of the summit also came after Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas withdrew from the meeting. Abbas declared three days of mourning for the victims of the hospital attack and decided to observe this period rather than attend the summit. The withdrawal of Abbas played a significant role in the mutual decision to cancel the meeting.
White House National Security Council spokesman, John Kirby, acknowledged the decision, stating that not going to Amman was the right thing to do. The mutual understanding among the leaders and their advisors reflects the gravity of the situation and the need for immediate action to de-escalate tensions and work towards peace and stability in the region.
The original plan was for the summit to take place in Amman, Jordan, following President Biden’s visit to Israel. The postponement of the summit raises questions about the future of the peace process and diplomatic efforts in the region. It highlights the challenges and complexities involved in resolving the Israel-Hamas conflict and achieving a lasting peace agreement.
In related news, the US Senate has announced the beginning of the confirmation process for President Biden’s pick for Israel envoy amid the ongoing war. This development underscores the US administration’s commitment to actively engaging in the region and working towards a peaceful resolution. President Biden himself is also set to visit Israel in the coming days, further emphasizing the significance of the situation and the US’s involvement.
As the Middle East continues to face escalating tensions, it is crucial for all parties involved to prioritize dialogue, diplomacy, and the well-being of civilians. It is only through constructive engagement and a genuine commitment to lasting peace that the region can move towards stability and prosperity. The cancellation of the four-way summit serves as a reminder of the urgent need for concerted efforts and international cooperation to address the challenges and complexities in the Middle East.
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