Biden briefs Jordan’s Abdullah on ‘preparations’ for surge in humanitarian aid to Gaza ‘during ceasefire period’

WASHINGTON/CAIRO – US President Joe Biden and Jordan’s King Abdullah discussed efforts to secure a ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza during a call today, the two sides say.

In a statement, the White House says Biden briefed Abdullah on “preparations for a surge in humanitarian assistance during a ceasefire period.”

Earlier today, a source familiar with the matter said that CIA Director William Burns is set to meet this weekend in Rome with Mossad chief David Barnea, along with Egypt’s spy chief and Qatar’s prime minister, for talks on a Gaza ceasefire and the release of hostages by Hamas.

Biden and Abdullah also discussed reforms to the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank, and ensuring it has access to revenue, the White House says.

Jordan’s royal palace says the two men discussed what it described as the “dangerous developments in Gaza.”

Abdullah reaffirmed “the important role of the United States in creating a political horizon to achieve just and lasting peace on the basis of the two-state solution,” the palace says in a statement.