Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi of Jordan and Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani have underscored the importance of ongoing efforts to end “Israeli” aggression against Gaza – a statement by the Foreign Ministry said today.

Read more: US, Qatar, Egypt issue joint statement on Gaza ceasefire negotiations

The two officials discussed the issue during a phone call on Friday, where they reviewed the results of recent negotiations hosted by Qatar. These talks aimed at reaching a prisoner exchange deal to establish a permanent ceasefire.

Safadi affirmed Jordan's support for the efforts by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States to finalize the exchange agreement and emphasized the need to conclude it as soon as possible.

He highlighted the significance of these efforts and the statement issued about them on Friday. Safadi said that “Israeli” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appears to be obstructing the deal, calling for effective and direct pressure on him.

Read more: Hamas rejects “new conditions” in proposed Gaza ceasefire deal: AFP

Safadi stressed that the first step towards de-escalation is ending the aggression on Gaza and halting the resulting humanitarian disaster.

Additionally, Safadi and Sheikh Mohammed discussed the escalation in the West Bank and the sacred sites in Jerusalem. They condemned the Israeli occupation’s illegal actions, including the intrusion of extremist ministers into Al-Aqsa Mosque, settler violence against the Palestinian village of Jit, and the ongoing expansion of settlements.

Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to coordinating and consulting on efforts to end the aggression on Gaza, deliver aid, and protect the region from further escalation and the risk of a regional war.