Riot police push back protesters at Israeli Embassy in Jordan
Riot police have beaten and arrested dozens of protesters attempting to march towards the Israeli Embassy in the Jordanian capital Amman. More than two thousand protestors gathered on Tuesday evening, on the third day of demonstrations demanding that Jordan end its peace agreement with Israel.
Police have used violent methods, including tear gas and batons, to push back the crowds attempting to storm the embassy.
A red flare burns as pro-Palestinian demonstrators carry banners and flags outside the Al-Kalouti Mosque near the Israeli Embassy, in Amman, Jordan, on March 27, 2024
Israeli, US defence chiefs convey different messages after meeting
Israeli Defence Minister Gallant said he discussed maintaining Israel’s “QME” [qualitative military edge] in the region with US Defence Secretary Austin during their meeting at the Pentagon on Tuesday.
In a post on social media, Gallant said he also discussed “operations required to destroy Hamas’ governing and terror capabilities”, the release of captives in Gaza and cooperation required “to ensure regional stability in the face of threats on multiple fronts”.
Austin, in a post on social media after the meeting, said the bilateral meeting with Gallant was to “discuss the importance of an approach to military operations in Rafah that prioritize the protection of civilians, the dire humanitarian situation across Gaza, and threats to regional security”.
The difference in emphasis by both defence chiefs appeared to underscore the growing schism between the US and Israel on how Israeli forces are conducting their war on Gaza. Israel was infuriated by Washington’s decision to not block a UN Security Council resolution on Monday calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
Pentagon chief says civilian death toll in Gaza ‘far too high’
US Defence Secretary Austin told Israel’s Defence Minister Gallant during a meeting on Tuesday that the civilian death toll in Gaza was “far too high” and the amount of humanitarian aid reaching Palestinian civilians was “far too low”.
Yet, despite Washington’s increased criticism of Israel, US officials stress that they will continue to provide Israel with the weapons it needs to continue its war on Gaza.
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