US Secretary of State Marco Rubio held a phone conversation on Monday with Jordanian King Abdullah II to discuss the Gaza Strip’s ongoing crisis, the State Department announced.
The talks focused on implementing the ceasefire agreement in Gaza, securing the release of hostages, and fostering long-term security and stability in the region, according to State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce.
Rubio expressed gratitude to Jordan for its role in supporting the ceasefire by providing critical humanitarian aid through the Jordan Corridor. The conversation also touched on regional stability and bilateral relations.
The call follows controversial remarks by US President Donald Trump, who suggested that Jordan and Egypt should take in more Palestinians from Gaza. Both nations swiftly rejected the idea, emphasizing their opposition to resettling Palestinians outside their homeland.
Beyond Gaza, Rubio and King Abdullah discussed developments in Syria, reaffirming the need to prevent Syria from becoming a hub for terrorism or threatening neighboring states, Bruce said.
The ceasefire, in effect since January 19, has temporarily paused Israel’s months-long war in Gaza. Since October 7, 2023, over 47,300 Palestinians—predominantly women and children—have been killed, and more than 111,000 injured, in what has been described as one of the worst humanitarian crises in modern history.
Israel’s military actions have left over 11,000 people missing and caused widespread destruction, triggering international condemnation. In November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice.
