Khaberni - The First Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Khamees Atiyah, confirmed that the violations the Gaza Strip is facing amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity, calling for the activation of international accountability mechanisms and the prevention of impunity.
This came during a speech delivered at the second meeting of the group of parliaments supporting Palestine, held within the program of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, where he pointed out that the deliberate targeting of civilians and the imposition of siege and starvation by the occupying forces represent a clear breach of international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions.
He stated that the violations are not limited to Gaza, but extend to the West Bank and Jerusalem, including restrictions on freedom of worship and preventing worshippers from reaching Al-Aqsa Mosque, along with violations affecting Islamic and Christian holy sites, violating the existing historical and legal status.
Atiyah emphasized that Jordan's position, under the leadership of His Majesty King Abdullah II, is firm and steadfast in defending international legitimacy, affirming Jordan’s role in protecting the holy sites in Jerusalem under the Hashemite custodianship, and rejecting Israeli policies.
He pointed to the humanitarian efforts exerted by Jordan in delivering aid to the Gaza Strip, monitored by His Highness Prince Hussein bin Abdullah II, the Crown Prince, and through supportive positions expressed by Her Majesty Queen Rania Al Abdullah, reflecting an official and popular Jordanian commitment to support the Palestinians.
He highlighted that the House of Representatives was at the forefront of parliamentary institutions that moved by adopting clear political stances, activating parliamentary diplomacy, and engaging with parliaments around the world to garner international support for Palestinian rights, in addition to emphasizing the need to legally pursue those who commit violations.
In concluding his speech, he called for imposing deterrent sanctions on the occupying power and ensuring international protection for the Palestinian people, affirming that achieving just and comprehensive peace starts with ending the occupation and enabling Palestinians to establish their independent state with Jerusalem as its capital.
In a related context, Atiyah met on the sidelines of the International Parliamentary Conference in Istanbul with the President of the Arab Parliamentary Union and the President of the Algerian National Popular Assembly, Ibrahim Boughali.
Atiyah said: "We look forward to more coordination between the two brotherly countries at all levels," adding that there are various issues that need to be addressed through a unified stance and clear visions, with the Palestinian issue and the occupation at the forefront.
He emphasized the importance of the Hashemite custodianship over Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, noting that Jordan, under the directives of His Majesty King Abdullah II, is moving towards comprehensive reform based on popular participation.
He noted that the region needs a unified stance, as the attacks that have affected Jordan are categorically rejected, confirming that Jordan is not a party to the war, which calls for the necessity of coordination in various international forums.
