Biden, Jordan’s king talk Middle East crisis

United States President Joe Biden and King Abdullah II of Jordan met on Monday at the White House to discuss the latest developments in the Middle East linked to the conflict between Israel and Hamas, notably the humanitarian situation there.

Speaking at the two leaders’ joint press conference, Biden thanked Jordan for everything it has done to have aid transferred to Gaza. He said that the US is working on securing a new hostage deal between Israel and Hamas that would last at least six weeks. Moreover, Biden stressed the need to achieve peace in the Middle East, free of terrorist threats, and establish a Palestinian state.

The king described the humanitarian situation in the region as “devastating,” particularly in Rafah, and called for a permanent ceasefire. He also urged the international community to resume funding the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).