The United Nations General Assembly recently witnessed a provocative speech by King Abdullah II of Jordan, where he vehemently criticized the international community for what he alleged was a failure to protect Palestinian civilians amidst the ongoing conflict. Declaring that it is the “moral duty” of the global community to establish mechanisms to shield Palestinians, the Jordanian king simultaneously rebuffed any notion that Jordan would accept Palestinian refugees, underscoring a stance against “forced displacement.”
King Abdullah’s speech focused entirely on Israel’s self-defense measures against Hamas, the jihadist terror organization that controls Gaza. The backdrop for Israel’s military operations is undeniably grim—Hamas orchestrated an invasion on October 7, 2023, marked by heinous acts of violence, including the massacre of families, gang-rape, and hostage-taking. Despite these atrocities, King Abdullah refrained from mentioning Hamas by name or acknowledging its role, instead framing the current Israeli operations as aggressive and unprovoked.
The king claimed that since October 7, Israeli actions have resulted in the deaths of 42,000 Palestinians, citing figures from the “Gaza Health Ministry,” an entity associated with Hamas. He pointed out that due to these figures, many perceive the war as intentionally targeting Palestinians. This narrative, however, disregards the deeply complex reality of the conflict, particularly Hamas’s consistent strategy of using Palestinian civilians as human shields, placing military installations in civilian areas such as schools and hospitals.
Moreover, King Abdullah’s refusal to accept Palestinian refugees highlights a significant contradiction within his rhetoric. While calling for international protection for Palestinians, he adamantly rejects Jordan as a potential sanctuary. He cited a firm opposition towards any “forced displacement,” categorizing it as a war crime and reaffirming that Jordan will never become an alternative homeland for Palestinians.
King Abdullah’s condemnation was extended to those he labeled as “extremists,” implicating not just Hamas but also parties promoting the settlement of Palestinian refugees in Jordan. This hardline position mirrors broader geopolitical attitudes in the region. Similarly, Egypt has firmly rejected taking in Palestinian refugees, arguing that such displacement would exacerbate regional instability. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has even suggested the relocation of Palestinians to the Negev Desert as a temporary measure until militant groups like Hamas are eradicated.
These stances starkly contrast with the more welcoming attitudes seen in some Western nations, including the United States under President Joe Biden, who has shown openness to accepting Palestinian refugees. Yet, the reluctance of neighboring Arab nations to provide refuge underscores a profound regional divide over the Palestinian issue, one that places the bulk of responsibility and consequence on Israel.
King Abdullah’s speech at the U.N. reflects a broader, troubling narrative: a willingness to condemn and call for international action while simultaneously shirking regional responsibility. This dynamic reveals the complexities of Middle Eastern politics, where public declarations often mask deeper strategic calculations. For Jordan and its neighbors, maintaining internal stability and political control seemingly outweighs humanitarian concerns concerning their Palestinian brethren. As global eyes remain fixed on the region, such contradictions will undoubtedly continue to shape the discourse and policy surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
