Jordan's role in advancing the two-state solution

In the heart of the Middle East, Jordan stands out as a major supporter of the Palestinian cause, using its diplomacy and resources to promote Palestinian rights and advance the peace process. Jordan’s role, which extends across political, humanitarian and economic aspects, not only affects regional stability, but also constitutes a cornerstone in shaping the future of the Middle East.

Jordan, with its geographical and political location, plays a pivotal role in the Middle East, especially regarding the Palestinian cause and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Historically, Jordan has worked to support the Palestinians in the West Bank, whether through diplomacy, politics or even economic and humanitarian support. 

With the displacement of more than 40,000 Palestinians from the West Bank camps, Jordan has intensified its diplomatic efforts to confront this crisis, affirming its steadfast support for the two-state solution and calling for an end to Israeli attacks.

In this context, Jordan is working to strengthen international positions supporting the Palestinians through diplomatic contacts with major international actors and global organizations. This includes engaging with the United Nations, the European Union, and other Arab countries to mobilize support and pressure for tangible progress toward peace and justice for the Palestinians. Through these efforts, Jordan seeks to maintain regional stability and promote Palestinian rights under international law.

Since its founding, Jordan has shown great concern for the situation of the Palestinians, partly due to the demographic composition of the Kingdom, which includes a percentage of Palestinians. This demographic dynamic has given Jordan a natural role in defending Palestinian rights and strengthening their steadfastness.

Jordan has always supported the two-state solution and has made this clear in various international forums by working to affirm the right of the Palestinians to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. 

This position has remained steadfast and strong despite political pressures and shifts in the regional landscape. This includes close cooperation with the United Nations and active participation in peace talks, demonstrating Jordan’s continued commitment to supporting international efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace in the region.

Diplomatically, Jordan uses its good relations with the West and Arab countries to push for progress on the peace process. Jordan is one of the few Arab countries that has diplomatic relations with Israel, which enables it to play the role of mediator or sometimes pressure on behalf of the Palestinians. This role is evident in Jordan’s ongoing attempts to facilitate dialogue and bring the views of the concerned parties closer together.

Jordan also benefits from its membership in the Arab League and its strong relations with influential countries such as the United States to act as a bridge between East and West, which enhances its ability to influence regional issues. Through its active diplomacy, Jordan seeks to secure international support to find just and sustainable solutions that guarantee security and stability for all parties and preserve the rights of the Palestinians in accordance with international laws and conventions.

On the humanitarian and economic levels, Jordan provides direct support to the Palestinians in the West Bank through various projects, including field hospitals and some facilities. Jordan also provides study seats in its universities for Palestinian students and provides medical and food aid in times of crisis.

Jordan also works to protect Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem. The Hashemite custodianship of the holy sites in Jerusalem, which dates to 1924, is an essential part of the Jordanian role in the West Bank. 

This role includes maintaining the status quo and preventing any attempts to change it by the Israelis, which enhances Jordan’s position as a protector of the holy sites in the eyes of the Palestinians, Arabs and Muslims in general. 

Through this custodianship, Jordan affirms its role as a peace mediator and preserver of religious heritage, reflecting its commitment to supporting the historical and spiritual rights of the Palestinians and strengthening its position in international dialogues on Jerusalem.

In recent years, Jordan has witnessed increasing challenges regarding the Palestinian issue, especially with the escalation of events and changes in the policies of major powers towards Israel and Palestine. Despite this, Jordan has continued to play its diplomatic and political role, using all available means to support the Palestinians and enhance their steadfastness.

Jordan is keen to exploit its diverse international relations to shed light on the violations and challenges facing the Palestinians and is working hard to mobilize international support for their legitimate rights.

Through its active participation in international forums and cooperation with the United Nations and regional organizations, Jordan seeks to maintain international pressure against settlement expansion and Israeli practices that undermine the two-state solution and threaten regional peace.

Through all these efforts, Jordan appears as an effective and influential force in the region, committed to supporting the Palestinian cause and protecting the rights of Palestinians. The Jordanian role is not limited to politics only, but extends to include humanitarian, economic and religious aspects, which gives the Kingdom a fundamental role when discussing the future of the Middle East and its developments.

Jordan works to provide the necessary support to the Palestinians, whether through direct aid or through international forums, exploiting its extensive diplomatic relations to raise awareness of Palestinian issues and push the international community to recognize their rights. In addition, Jordan works to improve the economic and social conditions of Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip through development projects and educational and health programs, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive stability and peace in the region.

Hasan Dajah is professor of strategic studies at Al-Hussein Bin Talal University