Jordanian, Russian foreign ministers discuss developments in Syria, Gaza

By Laith Al-jnaidi

AMMAN, Jordan (AA) — The foreign ministers of Jordan and Russia held talks on Sunday to discuss developments in Syria following the fall of the Bashar Assad regime and the dire situation in Gaza amid Israel’s genocidal war on the enclave.

This came during a phone call Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi received from his Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov.

The discussions dwelt on the Syrian developments and efforts to stop the Israeli onslaught in Gaza and end a humanitarian disaster in the Palestinian enclave, the Jordanian Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

Safadi reaffirmed "Jordan’s support for the Syrian people in their efforts to rebuild their nation through an inclusive Syrian-led political process that produces a new system ensuring the rights of all Syrians while preserving Syria’s unity, sovereignty, security, and stability," the statement said.

Assad, Syria’s leader for nearly 25 years, fled to Russia after anti-regime groups took control of Damascus on Dec. 8, ending the Baath Party’s regime, which had been in power since 1963.

Safadi emphasized the necessity of “achieving an immediate and permanent cease-fire in Gaza and opening all crossings to allow a swift and sufficient delivery of humanitarian aid to all parts of the Gaza Strip."

The Israeli army has continued its genocidal war on Gaza that has killed over 45,500 people, mostly women and children, since a Hamas attack on Oct. 7, 2023, despite a UN Security Council resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire.

The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last month for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel is also facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in Gaza.

*Writing by Rania Abu Shamala