FM continues phone talks with counterparts over de-escalation efforts in Gaza, its surroundings

AMMAN — Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Monday continued a series of phone calls with his counterparts aimed at halting the dangerous escalation in Gaza and its surroundings. 

During these calls, Safadi stressed the urgent need to launch international initiatives to ensure de-escalation, protect the lives of civilians and uphold the principles of international humanitarian law, according to the Jordan News Agency, Petra.

Safadi underlined the importance of regional and global cooperation to end the escalation, promote maximum self-restraint, protect civilians and revive peaceful negotiations as the only way to resolve the conflict. 

He also stressed the importance of a just and lasting peace based on the two-state solution.

A continuation of the escalation would only fuel the conflict and bring “catastrophic consequences” for the entire region, he warned.

The discussions included Japan’s Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa, Australia’s Hon Penny Wong, Ireland’s Micheál Martin, Poland’s Zbigniew Rau, Sweden’s Tobias Billström, Slovenia’s Tanja  Fajon, Cyprus's Constantinos Kombos and Portugal's João Cravinho.

Safadi also held talks with the High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell.