Jordanian King: Israeli West Bank Policy Amounts to Forced Displacement
King Abdullah II of Jordan affirmed on Tuesday that the world is experiencing an exceptional moment where crises and challenges are accelerating, emphasizing that what the international community chooses to focus on determines the fate of conflicts and humanitarian crises. In a speech delivered during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, the King warned that what is neglected today often shapes our future. The King noted that the ongoing Palestinian-Israeli conflict, left unresolved for decades, has resulted from the international community's decision to contain the conflict rather than decisively addressing its resolution. He further stressed that events unfolding in Gaza and the West Bank cannot be dealt with as isolated incidents. He added that what is happening in Gaza can no longer be considered merely "temporary military measures or consequences of war," while the West Bank is undergoing a radical transformation characterized by increasing settler violence, land seizure, settlement expansion, and the forced displacement of Palestinians. He affirmed that Gaza and the West Bank are "two faces of the same Israeli strategy." He pointed out that the international community possesses powerful tools for action, including sanctions, asset freezes, imposing prohibitions, and diplomatic isolation, but he expressed regret that decisions concerning Israel remain "ink on paper." The King warned that the expansionist ambitions of the Israeli government now pose a regional threat, cautioning against the repercussions of Israeli incursions in southern Syria and the imposition of new realities on the ground. The Jordanian monarch emphasized that any threat to Jordan's northern borders or its water security constitutes a threat to national security. He stated: "Jordan will not look away; rather, we will protect our security, our waters, and the interests of our people." He reiterated the Kingdom's continued commitment to combating terrorism and drug smuggling, enhancing its defensive capabilities, and building its economic, commercial, and technological ties with the region. King Abdullah II concluded his speech by renewing Jordan's commitment to a just peace, supporting the steadfastness of the Palestinian people and UNRWA, and continuing to uphold the Hashemite custodianship and preserve the historical and legal status quo of Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem. He stressed that Jordan's adherence to diplomacy does not override its commitment to humanitarian values, and should not be underestimated as a sign of weakness.
