Jordanian Prime Minister Bashar al-Khasawneh held a meeting with political figures in the country on Monday to update them on "efforts led by King Abdullah" to bring about a ceasefire in the war against Hamas and the transfer of aid to the Gaza Strip.
Attention focused on his statement: "Any attempt to create conditions for the expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza or the West Bank is a red line, and will constitute a declaration of war as far as Jordan is concerned. All options are on the table as far as Jordan is concerned, as part of its gradual stance vis-à-vis the aggression in Gaza and its consequences," he said.
Al-Khasawneh took pains to emphasize the main message to these political elements, with his unequivocal declaration: "All of us as one man behind His Highness the King – institutions, parties and citizens – in the honorable position that supports the Palestinian cause and the cessation of the aggression on Gaza. A strong Jordan has more ability to serve the Palestinian cause."
Photo: AP (archive) // Jordanian parliament,
According to the Jordanian prime minister, King Abdullah's efforts contributed to a change in the international position and in the position of public opinion demanding a ceasefire, and in conclusion, he reiterated: "We stand together – the government, parliamentarians, dignitaries and parties on all sides of the political map – behind His Highness the King and strengthening Jordan's power. They block the way for anyone who tries to deflect the compass by trying to spread controversy."
Behind these statements there is a real fear in Jordan of unrest in the kingdom, especially in light of disagreements within elements affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood. According to the London newspaper Al-Arab, one faction is pushing for escalation with the regime, which they claim is not doing enough to bring about a ceasefire in the war in Gaza. On the other hand, the other faction actually believes that it is necessary to act cautiously and pragmatically and "not to break the rules" with the authorities, for fear of future repercussions. The controversy also revolves around the steps to be taken, such as resigning from parliament.
Observers say resignations from parliament have so far been opposed because there is no desire to worsen relations with the government, especially in light of the next parliamentary election, in which the Islamist party hopes to gain a majority thanks to the new electoral law, which allocates 40% of seats to political parties.
It comes as Ahmed al-Qatawaneh, a member of the Islamist Reform Bloc party, said resignation was on the table if the government did not use all its cards to pressure Israel, including canceling previous agreements. "The decision to recall the Jordanian ambassador was good but not enough. We want more steps to stop Israel's massacres in Gaza," he said. He suggested, among other things, "
He also claimed that "Jordan has cards with which it can exert pressure. We have a precedent when Israel tried to assassinate Khaled Mashaal. King Hussein threatened to cancel the agreements if his life was not saved."
During the night between Monday and Tuesday, King Abdullah boasted of the "fearless Jordanian Air Force" that dropped a shipment of medical supplies to a hospital in the Gaza Strip. The shipment was approved by Israel, as part of the king's efforts to portray himself as supporting the Palestinians – a clear interest of his, since a large population of Palestinians in Jordan demands that he toe the line. The Muslim Brotherhood exerts pressure. Not sure it will be enough for long.
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