The shadow of Black September looms over Jordanian officials

Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi received a phone call from the Irish Minister for Foreign Affairs Micheal Martin on Thursday, Jordan News Agency reported.

The two ministers discussed the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the prompt delivery of sufficient, sustainable aid to the enclave.

They also stressed the significance of implementing Security Council Resolution No. 2728, adopted on Tuesday, which called for a ceasefire during Ramadan.

Safadi emphasized the importance of Ireland and other European nations officially recognizing the Palestinian state. He thanked Martin for his country's position on a ceasefire and need for aid, as well as its backing of the two-state solution.

Safadi does not address the issue of Israeli hostages as if it does not exist.

He seems to overlook the fact that the Hamas is not interested in a ceasefire for humanitarian reasons but sees a truce as an opportunity to reorganize its military structures, which have been severely impacted by the Israeli offensive.

The stance of the Jordanian official can be understood within a broader context.

Jordan, where Palestinians make up around 60% of the population, has historical reasons for its cautious approach.

The kingdom has a lingering bitter memory of Black September, a conflict that had profound implications for the country's internal security and its relations with neighboring states.

This backdrop influences Jordan's current diplomatic and strategic considerations, making it more complex for officials like Safadi to openly engage with issues like the Israeli hostages.

Jordan's delicate demographic balance and its historical experiences contribute to a nuanced position in regional conflicts, where the immediate and overt engagement with certain contentious issues might be eschewed for broader, long-term stability concerns.