Brussels: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen has called on the Israeli occupation to "immediately" lift the blockade on Gaza and facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid in line with international principles and with UN participation. This appeal was made during a phone conversation with King Abdullah II of Jordan, where they discussed the ongoing developments in the Middle East, particularly in Gaza and the West Bank, as well as EU-Jordan relations.
According to Kuwait News Agency, President von der Leyen commended Jordan's role as a cornerstone of regional stability under King Abdullah II's leadership and praised the Kingdom's efforts in hosting Palestinian refugees. The call highlighted the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, which is now entering its eleventh week under a stringent blockade.
Von der Leyen expressed concern over the expansion of Israeli military operations targeting civilian infrastructure, including a school used as a shelter for displaced Palestinian families, resulting in civilian casualties, including children. She emphasized that the "disproportionate use of force against civilians cannot be justified under humanitarian and international law." She urged the Israeli occupation to lift the blockade and restore humanitarian aid delivery with UN and international partners' involvement.
The conversation also addressed the situation in the West Bank, where von der Leyen highlighted the EU's increased support for the Palestinian Authority and people. This includes a comprehensive assistance package worth £1.6 billion for 2025-2027, with £310 million earmarked for direct support to the Authority in 2025. She affirmed the EU's commitment to a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace based on the two-state solution.
The leaders reiterated their support for the Arab Recovery and Reconstruction Plan for Gaza, approved at the Cairo Summit in March, emphasizing that forced displacement of Palestinians should not occur under any circumstances.
In terms of bilateral relations, the leaders reviewed progress on the EU-Jordan Strategic and Comprehensive Partnership signed in January 2025. Von der Leyen expressed satisfaction with the cooperation since the agreement's inception, noting that £500 million in macro-financial assistance is expected to be disbursed by August, with a second tranche anticipated in the autumn. An additional £228 million package for 2025-2027 is set for adoption in July to enhance Jordan's investment climate.
The discussion also covered developments in Syria, where von der Leyen acknowledged Jordan's support for institutional capacity-building efforts. She reiterated the EU's readiness to deepen collaboration in this area. Von der Leyen welcomed the EU's decision last week to lift economic sanctions on Syria and confirmed ongoing monitoring of the country's reform process, focusing on human rights. She highlighted the EU's leading role in supporting the Syrian people, with the Brussels IX Conference securing nearly £6 billion in pledges for Syria and neighboring countries.
The EU remains committed to Syria's reconciliation and recovery path, aiming to ensure the voluntary, safe, and dignified return of refugees.