Jordan's king visits Qatar, Bahrain, UAE amid regional tensions over Gaza

Jordan’s King Abdullah II discussed the international community's role in pressing for an immediate cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas war during a regional tour covering Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.

King Abdullah met with Qatar Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in the capital Doha on Wednesday, the Jordan News Agency reported.

During the meeting, Abdullah stressed that "a military or a security solution will not succeed in resolving the Palestinian issue and that what is needed is a political solution to reach a just and comprehensive peace on the basis of the two-state solution."

He also “warned against the expansion of the cycle of violence into the region” and renewed Jordan’s rejection of attempts to forcibly displace the Palestinians in Gaza or cause their internal displacement.

The two leaders also stressed the importance of protecting civilians and allowing uninterrupted delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza and maintaining coordination and consultation between the two countries in light of rapid developments, according to the Jordan News Agency.

King Abdullah met with King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa during his visit to Bahrain, stressing "the importance of enabling the work of international humanitarian organizations there to proceed without impediments" and "warned against the continuous deterioration of the situation in Gaza.”

The two leaders called for "stepping up regional and international diplomatic efforts, preventing the forced displacement of Gazans and stopping the escalation in addition to finding a political horizon to reach a just, lasting and comprehensive peace" based on the two-state solution.

During his visit to the UAE, King Abdullah met with President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. They discussed the ongoing escalation in the region in addition to enhancing bilateral relations in various fields.

The two leaders also discussed the deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and the need for urgent international efforts to stop the dangerous military escalation and to provide full protection to civilians, according to the Jordan News Agency.

They also "expressed keenness on enhancing joint action to reach regional peace based on the two countries’ deep-rooted support for coexistence and regional cooperation in service of all peoples."

Regarding bilateral relations, the two leaders discussed "areas of development cooperation, especially in the sectors of the economy, investment, industry and food security, among other vital sectors that serve the strategic priorities of the two countries toward sustainable development and prosperity."

They also agreed that the "projects announced during the visit represent a quantum leap in the ambitious development partnership between the UAE and Jordan."