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AMMAN — Minister of Interior Mazen Faraya on Sunday said that the King Hussein Bridge is a humanitarian crossing operating under “exceptional” circumstances due to restrictions and procedures imposed by Israel.
Speaking to Al Mamlaka TV during a visit to the bridge, Faraya attributed recurring congestion to Israeli restrictions, including limited operating hours, sudden closures and limits on the number of travellers allowed to cross.
He noted that many travellers have called for the bridge to operate around the clock throughout the week, adding that the crossing currently operates according to Israel’s schedule, which includes a weekly closure on Saturdays, limited working hours on other days and a specified capacity for travellers, contributing to recurring congestion.
Faraya said that Jordan continues to discuss extending the bridge's operating hours to 24 hours a day, seven days a week, noting that operational arrangements on the Israeli side are influenced by security and labour-related considerations.
The minister stressed the importance of the electronic booking platform in organising travel and managing reservations in line with the crossing’s capacity.
He added that congestion is also driven by travellers arriving without prior bookings, reaching the bridge well ahead of their scheduled travel times and failing to plan return trips in advance.
The minister reaffirmed Jordan’s support for the Palestinian people and its commitment to preserving their dignity.
He also said that some criticism of the electronic booking platform is linked to commercial interests affected by its implementation.
During the visit, Faraya met with bridge officials and representatives of the Jordan Express Tourist Transport (JETT) company to discuss operational challenges and reviewed plans to upgrade the crossing’s infrastructure, including new waiting halls, shaded areas and improvements to passenger and cargo facilities.
