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Jordan's FM: 'Israel committed war crimes in Gaza; 2024 will also be year of death'

1 min

Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman al-Safadi harshly attacked Israel, writing on the X platform that "in 2023 Israel committed war crimes in Gaza, and the Security Council did nothing to stop it.

King Abdullah II

Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman al-Safadi harshly attacked Israel, writing on the X platform that "in 2023 Israel committed war crimes in Gaza, and the Security Council did nothing to stop it. 

The year 2024 will also be a year of death, unless the Israeli prime minister's plan is stopped." 

 Ayman al-Safadi has been no stranger to expressing criticism towards Israel in his public statements. 

His outspoken stance on various Israeli policies and actions has often garnered support and approval from Jordan's King Abdullah II. 

This diplomatic approach reflects the intricacies of Jordan's geopolitical landscape, where historical, political, and demographic factors shape the country's foreign policy in the Middle East.

One of the noteworthy aspects of Jordan's position on Israel is its demographic composition. With approximately 60% of its population being of Palestinian origin, Jordan's official stance must carefully navigate between showing solidarity with the Palestinian cause and maintaining a diplomatic balance with Israel. 

This delicate balancing act arises from historical factors, including the aftermath of the 1948 Arab-Israeli war when many Palestinians sought refuge in Jordan, leading to significant demographic changes.

The legacy of "Black September" is never too far from the minds of Jordanian leaders. 

The term "Black September" refers to the violent events that unfolded in Jordan in 1970-1971 when the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) clashed with the Jordanian government. The Jordanian authorities, under King Hussein's leadership, took decisive military action against the PLO. This traumatic episode in Jordan's history serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers of internal strife and external interference.

King Abdullah II, the current monarch of Jordan, remains vigilant about potential destabilization threats, especially from extremist groups like the Muslim Brotherhood. 

The king's concern for regional stability and internal security influences the nation's foreign policy decisions. Jordan's geopolitical location, nestled between Israel, Iraq, Syria, and Saudi Arabia, exposes it to a complex web of regional challenges and power dynamics.

Despite the complexity of the region, Jordan continues to play a crucial role in promoting dialogue and cooperation in the Middle East. The country's unique position as a bridge between different parties allows it to engage in diplomatic efforts aimed at resolving regional conflicts, including the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

 Foreign Minister Ayman al-Safadi's critical stance on Israel reflects the multifaceted nature of Jordan's foreign policy. 

Balancing the interests and aspirations of its Palestinian-majority population, ensuring regional stability, and navigating the intricate web of Middle Eastern politics are ongoing challenges for Jordan's leaders. As the situation in the region evolves, J

By Bruno Finel 

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