AMMAN — Jordan and Germany have expressed their concerns over the potential worsening of humanitarian conditions in the southern Gaza Strip if Israel were to launch a ground attack on Rafah.

During discussions in Aqaba, Jordan's King Abdullah II and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized the urgent need for the international community to work towards an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza. They highlighted the critical importance of protecting civilians and ensuring the provision of sufficient humanitarian aid.

The leaders pointed out that an Israeli ground offensive in Rafah, home to 1.4 million refugees from the ongoing conflict, would significantly exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The region has been suffering from a devastating military offensive by Israel following a Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in nearly 1,200 deaths.

The conflict has led to over 31,600 Palestinian casualties, predominantly women and children, and nearly 73,700 injuries, alongside widespread destruction and severe shortages of essentials due to a blockade.

With 85% of Gaza's population displaced internally and 60% of its infrastructure damaged or destroyed, the UN has documented the dire conditions faced by residents. Israel has been accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice, which issued a provisional ruling in January ordering Israel to halt its genocidal acts and ensure that civilians in Gaza receive necessary humanitarian assistance. — Agencies