Jordan's support, active diplomacy strengthen calls for Palestinian State — analysts

Jordan Times

2 days ago

AMMAN — Jordan's support for Palestinian rights is gaining new momentum as 15 European countries, including France, the UK, Spain, and the Netherlands, announced this week that they are considering formally recognising the State of Palestine ahead of the UN General Assembly in September.
In a joint statement issued Wednesday, the countries described recognition as 'a fundamental step towards achieving a two-state solution,' and called on the international community to join in the push. The announcement drew immediate condemnation from Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, currently wanted by the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes in Gaza, who labelled the move 'punishment for the victim' and warned that a Palestinian state would pose threat to Europe.
Speaking at an international conference in New York attended by foreign ministers and senior diplomats, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Ayman Safadi reaffirmed Jordan's long-standing position that a two-state solution is 'the only path to peace.'
'The devastation in Gaza is a grim testament to the international community's failure to uphold international law,' Safadi said. 'Undermining the two-state solution leaves only a deep-rooted discriminatory regime that erodes the last vestiges of legality.'
Safadi welcomed the European initiative, particularly France's announcement, describing it as 'a clear stand with peace and legality,' and urged other nations to follow suit.
The diplomatic shift has been welcomed by Palestinian officials. Hussein Sheikh, deputy head of the Palestinian Authority, praised the conference declaration, which included calls for recognition of Palestinian statehood, a revival of the two-state track, adherence to international law, and an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.
Bader Madi, a political sociology professor, said the growing momentum reflects increasing international recogniton that occupation and peace cannot coexist.
'There is only one path to a just peace that ensures security and stability for our region: a two-state solution that ends occupation and establishes an independent, sovereign Palestinian state on the June 4, 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital,' Madi said.
He warned that failure to act is already visible in Gaza's humanitarian catastrophe. 'Mothers are watching their children fade away without food, water, or medicine,' he said, adding that settlement expansion and violations in the West Bank are destroying any prospects for peace.
Madi also cited regional concerns, pointing to Israeli strikes in Syria and violations of the ceasefire with Lebanon. He called for an immediate halt to the aggression in Gaza, the opening of all crossings for humanitarian aid, and the success of mediation efforts by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States to facilitate a prisoner exchange.
Strategic and security analyst Omar Raddad said the European shift marks a significant departure from past positions, especially in capitals like London and Paris.
'These moves appear more serious than symbolic political gestures or responses to domestic public opinion,' Raddad noted. 'But their implementation will require time, Palestinian unity, and acceptance from both Israel and the United States.'
He added that increased international pressure may be needed, but 'there are now genuine opportunities for tangible breakthroughs in favour of Palestinian statehood.'
Raddad also linked the recognition efforts to broader plans for the post-war situation in Gaza, suggesting that continued recognition could help bring the conflict to an end.
'US envoy Amos Hochstein's recent visit included a comprehensive proposal, not just a truce, but a full package, suggesting potential U.S. engagement in a more permanent solution,' he said.
As the UN General Assembly approaches, regional and international actors appear to be aligning for what could become a pivotal moment in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, one in which Jordan's consistent stance is playing a critical role.