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Press release
17-06-2025
Plenary session
King Abdullah II of Jordan: “A shameful version of humanity is unfolding in Gaza” [3]
On Tuesday, the King of Jordan, His Majesty Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein, addressed MEPs during a formal sitting in Strasbourg.
Welcoming King Abdullah II of Jordan to the hemicycle, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola [4] said: “Jordan is not only a great friend to this Parliament but an important partner for the European Union. Europe is grateful to Jordan’s commitment to stability and peace in the Middle East. The European Parliament appreciates Jordan’s critical efforts in reducing regional tensions, in pushing for a ceasefire in Gaza and for the return of hostages whilst also facilitating so much urgently needed humanitarian aid, as well as for the unwavering support for Palestinian and Syrian refugees and a two-State solution as a path to lasting peace.”
Referring to the array of conflicts taking place around the world, the King said that “our world feels untethered – like it has lost its moral gravity”.
He reminded MEPs that it is precisely at these junctures of history that “we must recommit to our values (…) Because when the world loses its moral bearings, we lose our shared sense of right and wrong – of what is just, and what is cruel. And when that happens, conflict is never far behind”.
“Today that world is in moral decline, he added, saying that “a shameful version of our humanity is unfolding before our eyes in real time (…) Nowhere is that clearer than in Gaza”.
Talking about the Israeli attacks and raids in Gaza, the King asked MEPs: “How is it that what was considered an atrocity just 20 months ago is now so commonplace it barely registers? What version of our humanity allows the unthinkable to become routine? Permits weaponising famine against children? Normalises the targeting of health workers, journalists, and civilians seeking refuge in camps?”
“We are at another crossroads in our history (…) This is not just about Gaza. And it is not just another political moment. It is a struggle over who we are as a global community, and who we will become.”
Concluding his address, King Abdullah II said that “this year is likely to be a time of pivotal decisions for our entire world. Europe’s leadership will be vital in choosing the right course. And you can count on Jordan as your staunch partner.”
The King outlined two essential areas for action: first, supporting development, because a thriving Middle East creates opportunities that benefit us all; second, strong, coordinated action to ensure global security.
“Our mutual security won’t be assured until our global community acts, not only to end the three-year war in Ukraine, but also the world’s longest and most destructive flashpoint, the eight-decade-long Palestinian-Israeli conflict.”
King Abdullah II added: “Palestinians, like all people, deserve the rights to freedom, sovereignty, and, yes, statehood (…) The path to peace has been walked before. It can be again, if we have the courage to choose it, and the will to walk it together.”
Background*
This was King Abdullah II’s sixth plenary address to the European Parliament, following his previous speeches in 2002, 2007, 2012, 2015 and 2020.
Further information
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EP Multimedia Centre: free photos, video and audio material (EU-Jordan)
On Tuesday, King Abdullah II of Jordan gave a speech in the hemicycle in Strasbourg © European Union, 2025 – EP
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