The Arab League and Jordan reiterated their strong opposition to the displacement of Palestinians, whether from their land or within it, stressing that Gaza can be rebuilt without forcing its residents to leave.
Meanwhile, Israel continues its West Bank operations and prepares for more attacks.
During a meeting in Amman, Jordan, on Sunday, Arab League Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit and Jordan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Ayman Safadi stressed that Gaza can be rebuilt without displacing its residents, according to a statement posted on Facebook by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Jordan.
▲ Palestinian children and journalists disperse as Israeli tanks enter the Jenin camp for Palestinian refugees in the occupied West Bank on Sunday. Jaafar Ashtiyeh/AFP
Aboul Gheit and Safadi said the establishment of an independent, sovereign Palestinian state along the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital and based on the two-state solution, is the only path to achieving security, stability, and a just and comprehensive peace in the region, according to the statement.
They emphasized the importance of reinforcing the cease-fire in Gaza and ensuring the effective and sustainable delivery of humanitarian aid to the region. They also discussed ways to enhance joint Arab action, reviewed the latest regional developments, and talked about preparations for the emergency Arab summit scheduled for early next month.
Gokhan Batu, an analyst on Israel studies at the Center for Middle Eastern Studies in Turkiye, told China Daily that the Arab League and Jordan's statements align with their historical mission and position.
Batu added that these developments have created significant pressure on the administrations of the Arab League states, including Jordan. Due to its demographic structure, Jordan perceives this situation as a threat to its domestic stability, he said.
Expanded operations
Israel on Sunday said troops would stay in West Bank refugee camps for the coming year, announcing expanded military operations including tank deployments, after the displacement of tens of thousands of Palestinians.
The Israeli operation in the West Bank spans multiple refugee camps near the cities of Jenin, Tulkarem and Tubas.
On Sunday, Israel's military said "a tank division will operate in Jenin" as part of "expanding" operations in the area. This is the first time tanks have operated in the territory since 2005.
Talking about Israeli attacks, Batu said: "Israel's actions can be interpreted through three key considerations: First, Israel sees opportunities in this chaotic period. The sensitivity of the cease-fire in Gaza provides a window for its operations in the West Bank. Second, removing these groups presents an opportunity for Israel to expand settlements northward. Finally, Israel aims to strengthen its deterrence through these operations."
At this stage, it can be argued that maintaining the cease-fire is becoming increasingly difficult, Batu said. However, it is challenging to establish a direct connection between this and the situation in the West Bank, he added.
Safadi and Aboul Gheit also stressed the necessity of preventing further deterioration in the occupied West Bank and called for an end to Israel's illegal measures that risk escalating tensions.
