His Majesty King Abdullah on Sunday condemned the Israeli military violations in the Gaza Strip which claimed the lives of innocent people, voicing Jordan's concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation there.

Receiving EU ambassadors to Jordan, the King paid tribute to EU efforts to help the Palestinian people overcome the harsh economic conditions facing them, pointing to the outcome of the Paris conference in December, in which international donors pledged billions to help the Palestinian Authority rebuild national institutions and the Palestinians overcome their economic hardships.

The King also expressed appreciation for the EU support to the peace process that was relaunched during the US-hosted Annapolis conference in November. His Majesty said efforts should be intensified in the coming weeks and months to arrive at a peace agreement that would lead to the establishment of a Palestinian state on Palestinian soil.

There's a need to take every opportunity in the coming weeks and months to achieve tangible progress in the peace process through which Palestinians and Israelis must meet their obligations, King Abdullah told the European envoys.

The Israeli side must not take any measures that might obstruct the peace process, with regard to settlement expansion, the King added.

On Iraq, His Majesty stressed the importance of the unity of the Iraqi people, which he said would only result in a better and prosperous future.

King Abdullah also discussed bilateral relations with the EU member states in various fields.

On their part, the EU ambassadors spoke about their countries' stance towards developments in the region and the best means to push forward the peace process between the Palestinians and Israelis.

The ambassadors also commended the King's efforts aimed at bringing peace and stability in the Middle East.