Obama and Jordanian king discuss ISIS, Iraq and Gaza in phone call

In a telephone conversation, U.S. President Barack Obama discussed with King Abdullah II of Jordan the “urgency of providing humanitarian assistance to the people of Iraq,” according to an account of the conversation issued by the White House on Friday.

The two heads of state also discussed the risks posed by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) on the region in addition to the importance of backing an “inclusive Iraqi political process.”

With ISIS’s recent gains in Iraq, nearby Jordan has to be concerned, analysts argue, citing primarily the considerable number of Jordanians fighting alongside the Islamist militia which also has its supporters in the security-concerned kingdom.

U.S. aircraft launched strikes against ISIS-held positions in northern Iraq after artillery fire near U.S. personnel, as the White House called for a new “inclusive” government and said that any future additional support to the Iraqi government would not be prolonged.

Obama and Abdullah also discussed the need for an immediate halt of hostilities and a sustainable ceasefire in the Gaza strip where Israel launched air strikes on Friday in response to Palestinian rockets after Egyptian-mediated talks failed to extend a 72-hour truce.

White House spokesman Josh Earnest told reporters on Friday the U.S. is “very concerned” about Friday’s developments, urging the Israelis and the Palestinians to resume talks and do what they can to protect civilians after news of the failed extension of the ceasefire.

“We condemn the renewed rocket fire and we are concerned about the safety and security of civilians on both sides of that conflict,” he said.