Spanish King calls the loss of innocent lives “unacceptable” amid Middle East tensions

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During his official visit to Jordan, King Felipe VI condemned the ongoing violence in the Middle East, calling it “unacceptable” that innocent lives are being lost while borders are redrawn and populations displaced.

Speaking in Amman, he expressed his deep concern over the escalating conflict, which he described as a situation that is changing the lives of “millions of civilians.”

Felipe VI arrived in Jordan with “a heavy heart” due to the turmoil in the region, emphasising Spain’s solidarity with Jordan’s crucial role in promoting stability in the Middle East. His remarks come at a critical time, as tensions have risen sharply across the region, especially following recent military actions involving Israel, Lebanon, and Iran.

Visit to the Baqa’a refugee camp

As part of his visit, the King toured the Baqa’a Palestinian refugee camp, the largest in Jordan, located 20 kilometres north of Amman. Established in 1968 after the Six-Day War, the camp is now home to nearly 130,000 people and has transformed from tents into a small city. The Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation (AECID) works alongside the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) in the camp, supporting education and healthcare services.

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During his visit, King Felipe VI met with Spanish aid workers and greeted residents of the camp. He also visited a girls’ school built with Spanish aid, reflecting Spain’s commitment to improving the living conditions of refugees in the region. Accompanying him on the visit were Prince Faisal bin Al Hussein and Spain’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, José Manuel Albares.

Bilateral meeting with King Abdullah II

Following his tour of the refugee camp, Felipe VI met with Jordan’s King Abdullah II at the Al Husseiniya Palace, where the two leaders held a bilateral meeting. They discussed the challenges facing the Middle East and reiterated their mutual respect and affection between the Spanish and Jordanian people.

Felipe VI also expressed Spain’s continued support for Jordan during these difficult times, emphasising the “friendship between both royal families and nations.” The king concluded by urging that the conflict in the Middle East be resolved “as soon as possible” and advocated for a return to the Two-State solution between Israel and Palestine.

A shortened visit amid escalating conflict

The Spanish royal visit, initially planned to last three days, was shortened to less than 24 hours due to the intensifying conflict in the Middle East. Originally, Queen Letizia was expected to accompany the King, but plans changed after Iran launched 200 missiles at Israel, some of which passed over Jordan. Despite the volatile situation, the Spanish Royal Household decided to proceed with the visit, though with revised arrangements.

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