A two-state solution that guarantees the security of both Palestinians and Israelis is the only path for peace in the Middle East, a senior Jordanian official said yesterday during a major summit held at the Ritz-Carlton Manama.
Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Minister Ayman Safadi praised the recently brokered ceasefire, but stated that work still remains to be done.
He delivered a keynote address during the first plenary session of the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) Manama Dialogue 2025 titled ‘The Future of Global Security Governance’ which was moderated by IISS director-general and chief executive Dr Bastian Giegerich.
“IISS Manama Dialogue has always been about discussing real-world issues,” said Mr Safadi “Global security is interconnected, and issues in one part of the world can mean consequences for everybody.
“Gaza has been the biggest issue in the world for more than two years at this point, and we are thankful to finally witness a ceasefire and an end to this bloodshed. This is thanks to the efforts of US President Donald Trump and countries in this region.
“For the past two years or so, we have seen disruption, hatred, dehumanisation, starvation and more. The real work begins now and we have to work towards ensuring security for both Israelis and Palestinians.”
In order for peace to work, Mr Safadi believes that it is imperative to have Palestinian police in charge of Palestinians, and to ensure while supportive nations cooperate in other matters, the Palestinians will have to govern themselves.
“Israel remains in charge of about half of Gaza,” he said. “Israel needs to withdraw and give the Palestinian police a clear scope to help secure the country.
“Jordan and Egypt are willing to send officers to help train the Palestinian police, but once we have security, we will need governance.
“The people of Palestine need to be governed by Palestinians, and outside governance will not help.
“There are many challenges that the Palestinians need to overcome, including no civil order, health services or government infrastructure.”
Mr Safadi also highlighted the importance of getting aid into Gaza as soon as possible due to the dire situation, and also warned of the importance of securing the West Bank.
“It is imperative for the world to help the Palestinians,” he said. “Getting aid is a must and it is incomprehensible that it is unavailable after all the suffering the people have gone through.
“Israel must lift restrictions and deliver a future of hope for both their own citizens as well as the Palestinians. Additionally, the West Bank is also key and if it erupts, it will undermine all efforts to date.
“I am very grateful to US President Trump for saying he will not allow the annexation of the West Bank, because that would be the last nail in the coffin for peace.”
Mr Safadi also discussed issues pertaining to Syria, calling it a ‘good success story’ and said that Israel must stop meddling in the nation’s affairs.
“Syria must succeed in securing the integrity and safety of its people,” he said. “If Syria collapses, everybody will suffer in the region due to terrorism, drugs and migration.
“It took 14 years for them to get where they are, and it is important their future is not despair.
“In order for this to happen, Israel needs to stop meddling in Syrian affairs and Syria needs to take Israel’s security concerns seriously.”
In the session, he was joined by British Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs and MP Yvette Cooper and German Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Dr Johann Wadephul.
They both highlighted the growing crisis in Sudan and urged the world to take action, just as they did in Gaza.
“If we can secure lasting peace in Gaza, we can do the same in Sudan,” said Dr Wadephul. “One common interest we all have in the country is the desire for peace and security.”
“The world is failing Sudan badly,” added Ms Cooper.
“Reports from Darfur are absolutely horrifying, with reports of starvation and rape being rampant.
“The UK government proudly announces five million pounds in humanitarian support for Sudan, but the guns must fall silent.”
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