UNRWA condemns the terrible terrorist attack on the church in Hmoud. We mourn those killed and wish the injured a swift recovery. We stand with our host nation Jordan. Places of worship must be sanctuaries of peace and safety. Attacks on civilians and religious sites are indefensible. The international community must do everything to support peace, tolerance, and respect for the rights and faiths of all.

 Dr. Omar Suleiman

@omarsuleiman

Muslims and Christians in Jordan have shared neighborhoods, friendships, joys, and sorrows for generations. This horrific attack violates that shared history and the sanctity of innocent life. May Allah comfort the grieving and heal the wounded. 

 

No innocent civilian should ever feel unsafe in a mosque, church, synagogue, or any place of worship, anywhere. Period. 

 

But I can’t help but question how “ISIS” repeatedly emerges at the worst moments with its savagery to tear our societies apart and feed the worst narratives that get turned into perpetual cycles of crimes against humanity.   https://x.com/omarsuleiman/status/2113691837458464820

 

* 

 

UNRWA

 

@UNRWA

UNRWA condemns the terrible terrorist attack on the church in Hmoud. We mourn those killed and wish the injured a swift recovery. We stand with our host nation Jordan. 

 

Places of worship must be sanctuaries of peace and safety. Attacks on civilians and religious sites are indefensible. 

 

The international community must do everything to support peace, tolerance, and respect for the rights and faiths of all.  https://x.com/UNRWA/status/2113959186925076503

 

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Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem

 

@LPJerusalem

بيان استنكاري وتعزية صادر عن البطريركية اللاتينية الأورشليمية بشأن الاعتداء الإرهابي على الكنيسة في بلدة حمود – الكرك. 

 

Statement of Condemnation and Condolences issued by the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem regarding the terrorist attack on the church in the town of Hamoud – Al-Karak  https://x.com/LPJerusalem/status/2113689194828644731

 

Statement of Condemnation and Condolences issued by the Latin Patriarchate of Jerusalem,
regarding the terrorist attack on the church in the town of Hamoud – Al-Karak

"Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His faithful ones." (Psalm 116:15)

It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we received news this afternoon of the merciless terrorist attack targeting the Greek Orthodox Church in the town of Hammoud, Karak. This crime has resulted in fatalities and injuries, violating the sanctity of a place of worship and infringing upon the fundamental human right to life, security, and the freedom to worship with dignity. We condemn this cowardly terrorist act in the strongest possible terms. We extend our deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the families and loved ones of those who lost their lives, to the residents of Hammoud, and to all our brothers and sisters affected by this grave tragedy. We also offer our prayers to God for the swift recovery of the injured, for patience and solace to be granted to the families of the victims, and for Jordan and its people to be protected from all evil and harm.

In this context, we affirm our profound pride in the historical and national role played by the Hashemite family—led by His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al Hussein and His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein ibn Abdullah II—in consolidating the values ​​of moderation and tolerance, upholding human dignity, and safeguarding the freedom to practice religious rites.

We further emphasize that the national cohesion of the Jordanian people serves as a vital safeguard against terrorism, extremism, and any attempts to sow division or discord. Jordanians—both Muslims and Christians—form a single national family, united by a shared history and a common destiny, bound together by ties of affection, belonging, and loyalty to their land and their leadership. Moreover, we express our full support for the security services and all those tasked with pursuing the perpetrators who sought to undermine the social peace—a peace in which we have always taken great pride.

In concluding this statement, we offer our prayers to God Almighty, asking Him to enfold the martyrs in His boundless mercy, grant their families solace and patience, and bring healing to the wounded. We pray that He may protect His Majesty King Abdullah II ibn Al-Hussein and his loyal Crown Prince, preserve the blessings of security and stability in Jordan, and safeguard its people from all harm. May this ordeal serve as an occasion to renew our commitment to national unity and coexistence—standing united as one against any who would seek to undermine the security of our homeland or compromise its unity.

May God protect Jordan—its leadership and its people—sustain the blessings of peace and harmony, and ensure that love and brotherhood remain stronger than terrorism and hatred.  https://www.lpj.org/en/news/statement-of-condemnation-and-condolences-regarding-the-terrorist

* 

 

☧ Milad ܝܠܕܐ

@PalCatholic

 

Translated from Arabic

Churches in Ramallah, Jerusalem, and Bethlehem ring their bells for the souls of the victims of the terrorist operation at Karak Church in Jordan 🇯🇴🇵🇸☦️✝️.

 

☧ Milad ܝܠܕܐ

@PalCatholic

 

Translated from Arabic

The King of Jordan, who went down to visit the injured and who took the terrorist incident with utmost seriousness and resolve, dealing with it swiftly without any sugarcoating of reality and refusing to let it pass as if it were nothing, deserves all respect and appreciation. In the hope that the rest of the rulers of Arab countries learn what it means to uphold the dignity of a citizen.

عبدالله بن الحسين

@KingAbdullahII

·

22h

Translated from Arabic

We will confront the terrorist act that targeted Karak with the harshest penalties. And whoever imagines that the bullets of treachery can divide the ranks of Jordanians will fail in his endeavor before our steadfastness and unity. All Jordanians, from the north of the homeland

 

 

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Jordan's king tells The United Nations that Israel's 'expansionist appetite' is a regional threat.... “This sense of impunity has reached terrifying levels,” he continued, warning that “no one in this assembly should assume [Israel's] ambitions stop at Palestine.”

Jordan's King Abdullah II speaks during the 81st session of the UN General Assembly at UN headquarters in New York, on 22 September 2026 (Spencer Platt/Getty Images/AFP)

22 September 2026 

Jordan's King Abdullah II told the United Nations on Tuesday that Israel's "expansionist appetite" poses a threat to the Middle East, pointing to its actions in Gaza, the occupied West Bank and southern Syria.

"This Israeli government's expansionist appetite is now a regional threat," he said in remarks to the General Assembly in New York, adding: "step by calculated step, Israel is testing how far it can go".

He said that, while Israel's actions have caused some international response, “resolutions end where they began: on paper,” calling this a wilful “choice” with the result being a “state without restraint”.

“This sense of impunity has reached terrifying levels,” he continued, warning that “no one in this assembly should assume [Israel's] ambitions stop at Palestine.”

  https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/jordans-king-tells-un-israels-expansionist-appetite-regional-threat

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WATCH: King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein of Jordan addresses 2024 UN General Assembly

Jordan Times: AMMAN/PARIS — Their Majesties King Abdullah and Queen Rania on Sunday participated in a march “of defiance and sorrow” in Paris to pay tribute to victims of terrorism in France.

Their Majesties King Abdullah and Queen Rania take part in a rally of defiance and sorrow to honour the 17 victims of three days of bloodshed in Paris that left France on alert for more violence in Paris on Sunday (Reuters photo)

King, Queen take part in Paris ‘defiance and sorrow march’

"... In a Facebook post, Queen Rania wrote that she was joining the King ”to stand in solidarity with the people of France in their darkest hour... To stand in unity against extremism in all its forms and to stand up for our cherished faith, Islam. And so that the lasting image of these terrible events is an unprecedented outpouring of sympathy and support between people of all faiths and cultures.”

As a Muslim, she added, “it pains me when someone derides Islam and my religious beliefs. It also pains me when someone derides other religions and other people’s religious beliefs. But what offends me more, much more, are the actions of the criminals who, this week, dared to use Islam to justify the cold-blooded murder of innocent civilians. This is not about Islam or being offended by Charlie Hebdo magazine. This is about a handful of extremists who wanted to slaughter people for any reason and at any cost”. 

Islam is a religion of peace, tolerance and mercy, the Queen wrote. “It is a source of comfort and strength for more than 1.6 billion Muslims — the same people who are shocked, saddened and appalled by the events in Paris this week”..."

Jordan's King Abdullah says world faces fight against extremism

King Abdullah II of Jordan

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http://news.yahoo.com/jordans-king-abdullah-says-world-faces-fight-against-154940641.html

Amman (AFP) - Jordan's King Abdullah said Tuesday the world was engaged in a battle against extremism as his country takes part in US-led air strikes on Islamic State jihadists in Syria.

"All countries in the world are witnessing a war between moderation and extremism, and today Islam is plagued by a civil war," Abdullah told a meeting of Jordanian lawmakers.

"Unfortunately, we as Arabs and Muslims have not seen this to such an extent before," he added.

Jordan is one of five Arab States -- along with Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates -- taking part in the US-led campaign against the Islamic State (IS) in Syria, where the jihadist group is headquartered.

Sharing a border with Syria and conflict-hit Iraq has provoked fears that Jordan, which is grappling with its own home-grown Islamists, could be targeted by IS revenge attacks.

"Jordan's participation... in the war on terrorism is within the framework of protecting its interests and consolidating its security faced with the chaos in neighbouring states and throughout the region," Abdullah said. 

The Hashemite ruler said the fight to defeat extremism would take "several years" even once military action against IS wound up.

Abdullah said extremism was not unique to Islam, adding that it existed in aspects of Israeli politics and "everywhere" in the Middle East. 

The king said Jordan was well situated to "protect not only Muslims facing danger but also Christians who have been subjected to a catastrophe in Syria and Iraq". 

The UN refugee agency said in July it expects the number of Syrian refugees in Jordan to reach 800,000 by the end of this year.

Jordan stands firm against radicalism, terrorism: "The unequivocal support for the coalition of regional and international countries willing to fight IS did not obliterate, however, an issue that is often said to be the reason for many Middle Eastern problems: the Israeli-Palestinian conflict."

Jordan on Thursday warned stakeholders against wasting time to join ranks and eradicate the Islamic State (IS) terror organisation before the group has a firmer foothold in the areas under its control.US Secretary of State John Kerry (centre) poses with his Arab counterparts during a photo session with the Gulf Cooperation Council and regional partners at King Abdulaziz International Airport’s Royal Terminal in Jeddah on Thursday ( Reuters photo by Brendan Smialowski)

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http://jordantimes.com/jordan-stands-firm-against-radicalism-terrorism

Jordan stands firm against radicalism, terrorism

Sep 11, 2014

His Majesty King Abdullah told visiting US Secretary of State John Kerry on Wednesday that Jordan stands ready to shoulder its responsibility in the fight against radicalism and terrorism in the region.

Jordan, said the King, will support regional and international efforts to combat the threats and designs of the Islamic State out of its deep conviction that IS poses a grave threat to regional and international security and stability.

The US secretary of state stressed that “the coalition that is at the heart of our global strategy… will continue to grow and deepen in the days ahead... because the US and the world will simply not stand by to watch as ISIL’s evil spreads”.

President Barack Obama delivered an historic speech to the nation on Wednesday, announcing his country’s intention to fight off the Islamic State advances.

The US, said the president, will launch air strikes against IS in Iraq and Syria, signalling the administration’s foreign policy shift.

The savagery of IS warrants indeed such departure from the traditional hands-off policy Obama has followed so far.

The US president also announced increased backing for the moderate Syrian opposition fighting against IS.

The unequivocal support for the coalition of regional and international countries willing to fight IS did not obliterate, however, an issue that is often said to be the reason for many Middle Eastern problems: the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The King reiterated the fact that this remains a central issue for Jordan, and indeed the entire Middle East, and that the unwavering support of the US is required if the two-state solution, which would guarantee the creation of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, is to be reached.

And the two should not be mutually exclusive.

While the months ahead will show progress on the front that fights terror, they should also be used to make advances on the Palestinian-Israeli front.

Jordan does not shirk its responsibility on either of these two pressing issues.

Neither should the US and the world community at large.

King hails outgoing UNRWA chief in Jordan

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http://www.petra.gov.jo/Public_News/Nws_NewsDetails.aspx?Site_Id=1&lang=2&NewsID=149171&CatID=13&Type=Home&GType=1

Amman, Apr 27 (Petra) –– His Majesty King Abdullah II on Sunday received United Nation Relief and Works Agency UNRWA Commissioner-General Filippo Grandi, whose four-year term has ended.

During the meeting, held at Husseiniyeh Palace, the King said he appreciated the remarkable efforts and contributions Grandi had made during his tenure as UNRWA commissioner-general in Jordan, noting the agency's key role in providing assistance and relief for refugees.

His Majesty said that Jordan, stemming from its role and message, is committed to supporting UNRWA, "in a manner to enable it to carry out its responsibility and pursue humanitarian services to Palestinian refugees".

During the meeting, attended by foreign minister Nasser Judeh, Grandi lauded Jordan for its relentless efforts to perpetuate coordination and cooperation with UNRWA and the other agencies on its territory assisting refugees.

He also praised the King's efforts to bring about Middle East peace and security and his wisdom and rational approach in dealing with regional issues.

//Petra//SS
27/4/2014 - 06:11:48 PM 

Jordan Times Editorial: Message of peace and tolerance

JORDAN TIMES April 9 2014: Her Majesty Queen Rania meets with nuns at the Rosary Sisters Visitation Home on Wednesday (Photos courtesy of Royal Court ) Queen Rania commends Rosary Sisters’ humanitarian work: The order, which has been offering educational and health services to the community since 1949, has established six schools. It has been working to empower local communities through the launch of vocational training centres to teach girls skills that help them become financially independent members of society. The Rosary Sisters also aim to help the disadvantaged by establishing hospitals as well as elderly and orphan care centres.

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http://jordantimes.com/message-of-peace-and-tolerance

His Majesty King Abdullah’s visit to the Vatican for talks with His Holiness Pope Francis is timely and propitious for more than one reason.

To start with, both Jordan and the Vatican are championing inter-faith dialogue, not only to promote positive exchanges of ideas and tolerance, but also to use the common message of the three Abrahamic faiths to end conflicts in the region and elsewhere in the world and promote peace everywhere.

As the King pointed out, the Vatican and the Kingdom are partners in promoting the values of peace, tolerance and coexistence between Islam and Christianity.

At the same time, Jordan is working with all stakeholders to establish a culture of dialogue among members of all faiths to counter violence, extremism and religious fanaticism.

True faith could be a maker of peace, particularly in this part of the world, plagued by numerous conflicts and disputes.

Unfortunately, some misguided religious extremists could also use religion to spread hatred and create discord, and that is unacceptable.

Jordan has always been a tolerant country where Muslims and Christians lived together in harmony. And there is no reason to believe that things will change, even if developments in some neighbouring countries may raise fears.

The upcoming visit of the Pope to the holy lands, including Jordan, could serve the cause of the dialogue advocated by the King and the Pope, and may articulate concrete ideas and mechanisms to make it possible and effective.

During his visit to the Vatican, His Majesty also discussed the right path for peace in Palestine and Syria. Both leaders believe in the urgent need for a comprehensive political solution to both Syrian and Palestinian conflicts, solution that is fair and based on international law.

Jordan’s and the Vatican’s message about the need for interfaith dialogue that is put to practical use for mankind must also be put in the service of peace, in the region and globally.

Jordan's King urges Arab, Islamic organisations to serve nation’s causes in US... peace efforts should lead to the two-state solution based on international resolutions and the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, which, he said, was a historical turning point.

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His Majesty King Abdullah is greeted by leaders of Arab and Islamic organisations in the US ahead of a meeting in Washington on Monday (Photo courtesy of Royal Court)

http://jordantimes.com/king-urges-arab-islamic-organisations-to-serve-nations-causes-in-us

AMMAN — His Majesty King Abdullah on Monday met with a number of Arab and Islamic organisation leaders in the US.

Discussions focused on regional developments and the role these entities play in serving Arab and Muslim causes in US decision-making circles.

The King stressed that the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is the core issue in the Middle East, adding that arriving at a just and comprehensive solution to this decades-old conflict requires support from the international community, including Arab and Islamic organisations operating in the US, according to a Royal Court statement.

He added that peace efforts should lead to the two-state solution based on international resolutions and the 2002 Arab Peace Initiative, which, he said, was a historical turning point.

The solution should lead to the establishment of an independent Palestinian state within the 1967 lines with East Jerusalem as its capital and that lives side-by-side with Israel.

The Monarch said Jordan places final status issues related to the Middle East conflict at the top of its higher national interests, noting that the Kingdom continues to support Palestinians’ rights, especially in establishing their state on their own national soil.

King Abdullah warned against Israeli unilateral measures, particularly settlement expansion and attempts to undermine the Arab, Muslim and Christian identity of Jerusalem, which, he said, increases tension and instability and affects peace chances.

He underlined the significant role the Arab and Islamic organisations play in supporting US endeavours to push forward the peace process.

Discussions also covered efforts to reach a political solution to the Syrian crisis, safeguarding the country’s unity and bringing an end to the suffering of its people, and limiting the number of refugees in neighbouring countries, especially Jordan, whose limited resources are under tremendous pressure due to hosting a great number of Syrians.

The King warned of attempts to turn the Syrian conflict into a sectarian one, citing its dangerous effects on the entire region.

His Majesty highlighted a conference that Jordan recently hosted, where leading Muslim scholars examined ways to promote tolerance among the followers of various sects.

The Kingdom also hosted another conference, where discussions focused on the challenges facing Arab Christians, with participants stressing the need to respect all opinions and promote interfaith tolerance.

His Majesty stressed the important role that Arab and Muslim leaders can play in presenting to US decision makers issues facing the Arab and Muslim worlds, adding that they can work to build bridges with the West.

Arab and Muslim communities in the US have had a positive part in building American society and entrenching its values, the King said.

Also during the meeting, the Monarch highlighted the Kingdom’s achievements in its comprehensive reform drive, which is aimed at meeting present and future aspirations of all Jordanians ...READ MORE

“You have to understand that the progressive forces in the Arab world, those that support having a visible relationship with Israel, cannot reach out to it until the Palestinian problem is resolved,” said one Jordanian official. “Moreover, this should also be Israel’s interest, because the only way to stop the Islamic movements from seizing control in the West Bank is through an agreement with the Palestinians.”

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http://www.haaretz.com/opinion/.premium-1.570661

Jordan's King Abdullah, right, speaking to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at the Royal Palace in Amman, Jan. 10, 2012. Photo by Reuters

A new, improved Jordanian option

'You have to understand that the progressive forces in the Arab world, those that support having a visible relationship with Israel, cannot reach out to it until the Palestinian problem is resolved,' said one Jordanian official.

By Reuven Pedatzur | Jan. 27, 2014

The recent surprise visit to Jordan by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is indicative of the importance the premier attributes to the Hashemite kingdom’s role in advancing the diplomatic process, and particularly to its role in the future, if and when a Palestinian state is established. The substance of Netanyahu’s talks with King Abdullah a week and a half ago have not leaked, but the king’s positions and strategic plans can be discerned from off-the-record conversations with senior Jordanian officials, some of them with direct access to the royal palace.

The most important message emerging from the talks with the Jordanians is their assessment that it is vital to achieve an Israeli-Palestinian agreement that will lead to the end of the conflict. Such an agreement will not only allow Jordan to publicly improve its relations with Israel, but will have far-reaching implications for Israel’s relations with other countries in the region.. READ MORE

found via ATFP front page   

ATFP (The American Task Force on Palestine) categorically and unequivocally condemns all violence against civilians, no matter the cause and who the victims or perpetrators may be.

Jordan's King Abdullah II said Saturday extremism has "grown fat" off of the longstanding conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.

Also speaking at the World Economic Forum, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas appealed to Israel in a separate speech to "make peace a reality."

"There remains a window of opportunity for peace," he said. "I invite the Israelis to make peace a reality on the ground."

Associated Press/Mohammad Hannon - King Abdullah II of Jordan gives the opening speech at the World Economic Forum, held at the King Hussein Bin Talal Convention center, in Southern Shuneh, 34 miles (55 kilometers) southeast of Amman, Jordan, Saturday, May 25, 2013. (AP Photo/Mohammad Hannon)

SOUTHERN SHUNEH, Jordan (AP)  — Jordan's King Abdullah II said Saturday extremism has "grown fat" off of the longstanding conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.

"Good faith talks must get going," Abdullah told the opening of a two-day meeting of the Geneva-based World Economic Forum on the shores of the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth.

He pointed to an Arab peace initiative that offers Arab recognition to Israel in exchange for land to Palestinians based on the 1967 borders.

Abdullah, who maintains cordial ties with Israel under a peace treaty signed in 1994, demanded a halt to Jewish settlement construction in territories claimed by the Palestinians for a future state...READ MORE

Amid the social and political transformations reshaping the Middle East, can King Abdullah II, the region's most pro-American Arab leader, liberalize Jordan, modernize its economy, and save his kingdom from capture by Islamist radicals?

King Abdullah II of Jordan

April 2013

Monarch in the Middle

 by Jeffrey Goldberg

It is still, on occasion, good to be the king.

It is not necessarily good to be the king of a Middle Eastern country that is bereft of oil; nor is it necessarily so wonderful to be the king during the turmoil and uncertainty of the Arab Spring. It is certainly not good to be the king when the mystique that once enveloped your throne is evaporating.
But when a squadron of Black Hawk helicopters is reserved for your use, and when you are the type of king who finds release from the pressures of monarchy by piloting those Black Hawks up and down the length of your sand-covered kingdom—then it is still good to be the king.

One morning last fall, Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein, the fourth Hashemite king of Jordan, rolled up to a helipad situated close to the royal office complex in Al Hummar, on the western edge of the capital, Amman. He stepped out of an armored Mercedes—he drove himself, and drove fast, like he was being chased—and hustled to one of his Black Hawks. The king, who as a young prince served as a commander in the Royal Jordanian special forces, climbed into the pilot’s seat, talked for a moment with his co‑pilot, a trusted member of the Royal Squadron, and lifted off, pointing us in the direction of the rough, unhappy city of Karak, about 80 miles to the south. A second Black Hawk, filled with bodyguards, lifted off a moment later.

The king was flying himself to Karak, which is one of the poorer cities in a distressingly poor country, to have lunch with the leaders of Jordan’s largest tribes, which form the spine of Jordan’s military and political elite. More than half of all Jordanians are of Palestinian origin, with roots on the West Bank of the Jordan River, but the tribal leaders are from the East Bank, and the Hashemite kings have depended on East Bankers to defend the throne since the Hashemites first came to what was then called Transjordan from Mecca almost 100 years ago. This relationship has a coldly transactional quality: in exchange for their support of the royal court, the leaders of the eastern tribes expect the Hashemites to protect their privileges, and to limit the power of the Palestinians. When the Hashemites appear insufficiently attentive, problems inevitably follow.

Earlier that day, in his private office in Al Hummar, which overlooks the wealthy neighborhoods of West Amman, the king had explained to me the reason for the trip to Karak: he was trying, in advance of parliamentary elections in January, to instruct these tribal leaders on the importance of representative democracy. He wanted, he said, to see Jordanians build political parties that would not simply function as patronage mills but would advance ideas from across a broad ideological spectrum, and thus establish for Jordan a mature political culture. He said he would like to see Palestinians more proportionately represented in parliament. And he would like to do all this, he explained, without allowing the Muslim Brotherhood—a “Masonic cult” (as he describes it) that today controls the most formidable political organization in Jordan, the Islamic Action Front—to hijack the cause of democratic reform in the name of Islam. In other words, the king wants to bring political reform to Jordan, and to cede some of his power to the people...READ MORE

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Israel must develop a clearer vision not only for the interests and aspirations of the Palestinians but also for its own long-term survival

http://jordantimes.com/expressing-solidarity

Jordan Times Editorial: Expressing solidarity

Dec 06, 2012 | 21:47 

 

His Majesty King Abdullah’s visit to Ramallah for talks with Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas, just after the upgrading of the Palestinian representation at the UN to non-member observer state and the end of a round of fighting between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip, is symbolic.

It also is consistent with the King’s, and Jordan’s, stand in support of the Palestinians who struggle to end the decades-old Israeli occupation.

Few Arab leaders manage to pay official visits to the Palestinian territories to show their solidarity with and support for the Palestinian people. The King’s trip to the West Bank, therefore, sends the message that the Palestinians do not stand alone and that their bid for a two-state solution to their conflict with Israel is the only doable political move.

Jordan was among the first to condemn the recent Israeli decision to expand its settlement construction in and around East Jerusalem; this continuous expansion of illegal Israeli colonies in the West Bank is most counterproductive, and a sure killer of the two-state solution.

Jordan happens to be the closest Arab state to the Palestinians, both geographically and in terms of historical and social ties. The Kingdom stood by the Palestinians for decades, helping them economically, politically and morally.

The special, fraternal relations that bind the peoples of the two banks of the Jordan River are unshakable. The Monarch said Jordan will relentlessly work to see the Palestinians regain their rights and arrive at the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.

Israel must develop a clearer vision not only for the interests and aspirations of the Palestinians but also for its own long-term survival.

In the absence of peace, the conflict between the two parties will be kept alive, to their detriment and to that of the entire region.

Associated Press/Majdi Mohammed - King Abdullah II of Jordan, left, gestures during a welcoming ceremony with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, prior to their meeting in the West Bank city of Ramallah, Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012. Jordan’s King Abdullah II has begun a brief visit to the West Bank in support of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ successful bid for U.N. recognition of a state of Palestine. (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed)

 Jordan king in West Bank to support Palestinians