Jordan Leaves “All Options” Open in Response to Israeli Attack on Gaza
Jordan has announced that it is considering all possible actions in response to what it perceives as Israel’s failure to distinguish between military and civilian targets in its ongoing bombing and invasion of the Gaza Strip. Prime Minister Bisher al Khasawneh did not provide specific details on the steps Jordan would take, but this comes after the country recalled its ambassador from Israel and declared Israel’s ambassador persona non grata.
Khasawneh stated that Jordan is considering all options in dealing with the Israeli aggression and its consequences. The country, which signed a peace treaty with Israel in 1994, believes that Israel’s blockade of Gaza is not an act of self-defense. Khasawneh criticized the Israeli attack for its indiscriminate targeting of both civilian and military sites, including safe areas and ambulances.
Israel has denied intentionally targeting civilian objects in densely populated areas, claiming that Hamas is using civilians as human shields and exploiting hospitals and ambulances for military purposes. However, Jordan is reviewing its economic, security, and political ties with Israel and may suspend further implementation of the peace treaty if the situation in Gaza worsens significantly, according to diplomats familiar with Jordanian perspectives.
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has reignited longstanding fears in Jordan, which is home to a large population of Palestinian refugees and their descendants. There are concerns that Israel may seize the opportunity to forcibly expel Palestinians from the Israeli-occupied West Bank, where attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinian residents have surged since Hamas’ attack on October 7. Some hardliners in Israel’s religious-nationalist ruling coalition have even advocated for the “Jordan is Palestine option.”
Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi emphasized that any attempt to drive Palestinians across the border into Jordan would be a “red line” and tantamount to a declaration of war. Safadi stated that Jordan would confront any Israeli attempt to alter the geography and demography of the region. In response to these concerns, the Jordanian army has increased its presence along the borders, according to security sources.
Jordan’s concerns have taken center stage in discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken since the Gaza conflict began. These concerns are also expected to be raised in a meeting with CIA Director William Burns during his upcoming stopover in Jordan. The situation remains tense as Jordan weighs its options and closely monitors the developments in Gaza.
(Reporting by Suleiman Al-Khalidi; editing by Mark Heinrich)
