King Abdullah II bin Al-Hussein and Jerusalem
His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Hussein has kept the Palestinian cause and Jerusalem at the center of his political and diplomatic endeavors since he assumed his constitutional powers on February 7, 1999. He is carrying on the Hashemite leadership's efforts to preserve Jerusalem and its Islamic and Christian sanctities, as well as his concern for the Palestinian cause since the time of Sharif Hussein bin Ali and the late Their Majesties King Abdullah I, King Talal, and King Hussein, may their souls rest in peace.His Majesty King Abdullah II bin Hussein has kept the Palestinian cause and Jerusalem at the center of his political and diplomatic endeavors since he assumed his constitutional powers on February 7, 1999. He is carrying on the Hashemite leadership's efforts to preserve Jerusalem and its Islamic and Christian sanctities, as well as his concern for the Palestinian cause since the time of Sharif Hussein bin Ali and the late Their Majesties King Abdullah I, King Talal, and King Hussein, may their souls rest in peace.
Along with the Palestinian desire to exercise their right to self-determination and create an independent state with complete sovereignty over their national land in the West Bank and Gaza Strip, which have been under occupation since 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital, these two problems have been carried by His Majesty, Everywhere he has gone and taken action around the world, he has taken into account both national and Arab/Islamic issues. As a result, these topics have remained at the forefront of his conversations and occupy his thoughts in all of his encounters with international political decision-making circles and organizations. His Majesty states that: "The efforts we are making to provide Arab and international support to advance the peace process aim at establishing an independent Palestinian state with its capital, Jerusalem, the Noble."
Domestically, the significance and status of Jerusalem are demonstrated by His Majesty King Abdullah II's actions and declarations made during his frequent meetings with the Palestinian President, other officials, prominent Palestinians, and leaders of Jordanian Jerusalemite associations and forums. These meetings serve to reinforce Jordan's unwavering support for the resilient Palestinian people in Jerusalem as they work to overcome obstacles to their right to exist on their land and preserve the city's Arabness and sanctity. In order to guarantee Jerusalem's safety and sanctities, the Kingdom also keeps up its efforts on the Arab and global fronts. Everyone must coordinate their efforts and cooperate in a collaborative manner to address the threats and difficulties that the city of Jerusalem in general and the Islamic and Christian sanctities in particular are confronting.
His Majesty has made several speeches to begin the regular sessions of the Parliament, in which he has addressed the Palestinian issue and Jerusalem in particular. He has affirmed that the Palestinian cause is Jordanian diplomacy's top priority because of its centrality, justice, and paramount national interest, and that Jerusalem will always hold a special place in our conscience and hearts as we strive to protect it within the parameters of resolving the Palestinian problem.
His Majesty's continued support of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan's efforts through the Department of Islamic Waqf in Jerusalem, which is connected to the Jordanian Ministry of Awqaf, the Committee for the Reconstruction of Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock, the Royal Committee for Jerusalem Affairs, and the issuance of the royal decree to establish the Hashemite Fund for the Reconstruction of Al-Aqsa Mosque and the Dome of the Rock, which was established in 2007, serves as further evidence of the monarch's interest in Jerusalem,
and outfitting, as well as to supply the conditions needed to confirm the significance and holiness of these sanctities among Hashemites in particular as well as among Arabs and Muslims in general. A donation of 1,113,000 Jordanian dinars has been made to the fund by His Majesty.
Several rehabilitation projects have been carried out under his direction, known as the Fifth Hashemite rehabilitation, after His Majesty assumed his constitutional powers in 1999. These initiatives included:
The initiative to rebuild Salah al-Din's pulpit: On the twenty-seventh day of Ramadan in 2002, the primary decorative panel of the pulpit was installed at Al-Balqa Applied University's College of Islamic Arts. On July 25, 2006, His Majesty dedicated Salah al-Din's pulpit at Al-Balqa Applied University, initiating the restoration of the pulpit at Al-Aqsa Mosque. This represented the Hashemite dedication to restoring and developing Islamic places of worship. After that, the pulpit was moved back to its original spot in Al-Aqsa Mosque, signifying the restoration of a symbol that Salah al-Din al-Ayyubi had brought from the Halawiyah, an old Damascus structure, where the original pulpit had been made, in 1187.
The Al-Aqsa Mosque's fifth minaret construction project: Though building has not yet started, the fifth minaret's location was carefully picked to be near the Golden Gate and the Gate of the Tribes (Black Gate).
Al-Aqsa Mosque's required maintenance needs are being met by the Dome of the Rock Mosque's carpet renewal project, which is being funded by His Majesty the King.
Project for lighting and floodlighting: This project consists of external wall lighting and interior lighting for the Al-Aqsa, Dome of the Rock, and Marwani mosques.
Project to rehabilitate the telephone network.
Installing a complete audio system for Al-Aqsa, the Dome of the Rock, and the Marwani mosques is the main audio project. additionally a complete audio system with all control and command devices for the minarets and the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque.
Project for mechanical and sanitary works: This includes connecting wells of Al-Aqsa Mosque, water supply, rainwater drainage, sewage, and the implementation of a new water extension system for fire extinguishing devices in Al-Aqsa Mosque, the Dome of the Rock, and the Marwani Mosque.
Project to cover the Al-Aqsa Mosque's roof with lead panels.
The Noble Sanctuary's courtyards need to be tiled because 80% of them are broken.
The Noble Sanctuary's outside wall restoration project will involve fixing protrusions in the eastern and southern walls and replacing any broken stones.
The Surat al-Isra inscription encircling the Dome is undergoing restoration, with some of the damaged characters being replaced.
the third stage of the Manuscript Restoration Center at Al-Aqsa Mosque development project has finished. Since its establishment in 1999, this institute has trained local employees to preserve thousands of manuscripts and papers. Jerusalem's cultural legacy and treasures were preserved with the help of UNESCO's knowledge and training programs. To finish this significant project, His Majesty personally contributed one million and eighty-seven thousand dinars.
the completion of the mosaic panel installations in the Al-Aqsa and Dome of the Rock mosques, which are regarded as groundbreaking and important projects requiring a large outlay of money and labor.
By royal edict, His Majesty King Abdullah II gave to the Church of the Holy Sepulcher in Jerusalem in order to rebuild the Holy Sepulcher, or the Tomb of Christ, at his own expense.
The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs obtained 10,000 copies of the Hashemite Qur'an to be distributed to mosques in the Palestinian territories, following a kind direction from His Majesty. Furthermore, the Noble Sanctuary, Islamic institutes, and Quranic schools in Jerusalem each received 5,000 copies of the Hashemite Qur'an.
His Majesty has frequently issued orders to give workers at the Jerusalem Waqf, particularly the guards, more pay in appreciation for their hard work and dedication. These orders also recognize the workers' perseverance in the face of adversity, their efforts to protect Islamic sanctities, and their assistance in overcoming the challenging living conditions in the Waqf.
His Majesty sent out a nationwide call for increased Jordanian efforts to create a comprehensive plan to support the stability and resilience of the local population and solve their problems as much as possible through official institutions, Jerusalemite associations, and civil society organizations.
Concerned parties on the Jerusalem issue unanimously agreed with His Majesty King Abdullah II's statements that "Jerusalem has a special place in the hearts of the Hashemites, and all sons of the Islamic and Arab world, and it is alive in the conscience and emotions of every Arab and Muslim, and it has an eternal connection with our creed and our true religion that occupation or boundaries cannot erase." It is a firm position taken by Jordan that Arabs and Muslims ought to build upon and advance toward a proactive and powerful global role that helps avert Israeli attacks on Jerusalem and its sacred sites, guarantees the safety of the Noble Sanctuary, and averts any disastrous outcomes brought about by Israel.
As a Hashemite priority, the Kingdom will make every effort to stabilize the Arab citizens, Muslims, and Christians in the Noble Jerusalem in recognition of His Majesty's persistent efforts to serve Jerusalem and the significant role Jordan played in maintaining and defending the holy places, as well as his political and diplomatic actions at all levels when Jerusalem was being attacked by Israeli occupation authorities. His Majesty reiterated that "Al-Aqsa is a trust on his shoulders, and he will continue to support it, following the footsteps of the fathers and grandfathers from generation to generation." This highlights the closeness of the Hashemite family's religious and historical links to the Noble Sanctuary.
Thus, on March 31, 2013, His Majesty and His Excellency President Mahmoud Abbas signed an agreement to restore the Hashemite guardianship over Jerusalem and its sanctities for His Majesty.
The Palestinian problem, the issue of Jerusalem, and other regional and global issues have been and continue to be the main topics of discussion in His Majesty's engagements with Arab leaders at Arab summit conferences and in one-on-one talks. On August 26, 2015, His Majesty met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi in Russia, and on November 8, 2015, in Manama, He met with King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of Bahrain. On September 18, 2015, he also spoke with King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques. Throughout all of these discussions and correspondence, His Majesty stressed that the matter of Jerusalem continues to be the primary concern for Arabs and Muslims, and that all Israeli policies and actions related to settlement in Jerusalem are void. He reaffirmed that Israel must evacuate the Arab and Palestinian areas it has occupied since 1967, starting with Jerusalem, in order to bring about a fair and lasting peace in the Middle East. In order to advance the peace process and carry out the Arab proposal that will result in the creation of an independent Palestinian state, he urged for coordinated efforts.
At the Arab summit summits in Beirut in March 2002, Riyadh in 2007, Doha in 2009, and Kuwait in 2014, His Majesty emphasized the need for Arab tactics to be coordinated in order to oppose Zionist efforts to Judaize Jerusalem and drive out its people. In support of Jerusalem and Palestine, he emphasized Jordan's adherence to the fundamental principles of the Jordanian political system and its refusal to recognize Israel as a Jewish state. He also emphasized Jordan's concern for the Arab identity of the holy city and urged the UN Security Council to take on its responsibilities and take the necessary steps to establish workable mechanisms for resolving the Arab-Israeli conflict.
His Majesty emphasized the necessity to push for peace efforts for a two-state solution and to protect Jerusalem, including its Islamic and Christian sanctities, at the 26th session of the Arab summit held in Sharm El-Sheikh. He further emphasized that all Arab and Islamic efforts should work towards achieving this aim.
Jerusalem is a red line for the Arab and Islamic people, and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan will oppose any efforts at Judaization that aim to destroy the sanctities on a daily basis, as His Majesty has stated on numerous private occasions.
Additionally, on March 7, 2016, at the Fifth Extraordinary Islamic Summit in Jakarta, Indonesia, His Majesty stressed the importance of international efforts to halt the escalation of Israeli violations in Jerusalem, particularly in the Al-Aqsa Mosque, in a speech made on his behalf by HRH Prince Hassan bin Talal.
Dr. Abdullah Nsour spoke on behalf of His Majesty on April 14, 2016, during the thirteenth Islamic Summit Conference in Istanbul. He reiterated Jordan's stance on the Palestinian issue and Jerusalem, as well as the need for coordinated international efforts to advance the peace process and realize a two-state solution.
During the November 9, 2015, summit of Arab and South American states in Riyadh, and the October 7, 2015 meeting in Amman, His Majesty cautioned the delegation of the "Council of Muslim Elders" about the dangers facing Jerusalem and the need to advance the peace process in order to establish a two-state solution with East Jerusalem as the capital. According to him, Jordan has a number of diplomatic and political alternatives at its disposal to advance talks toward regional peace.
During a September 20, 2015, meeting in Amman with Arab members of the Israeli Knesset, His Majesty reaffirmed his support for the efforts to stop Israel's ongoing attacks on the Al-Aqsa Mosque as well as for the Jerusalemite people. He reiterated that the Christian and Islamic sanctuaries in Jerusalem are under the Hashemite family's protection.
His Majesty oversaw Jordanian diplomacy's participation in the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, Arab League councils, and meetings of Arab foreign ministers in order to highlight the legitimacy of the Palestinian cause and to promote regional and global initiatives aimed at achieving a two-state solution.
In order to maintain Jerusalem's identity, His Majesty King Abdullah II made constant efforts on a global scale. This included meetings, visits, and correspondence with a number of Western politicians, opinion leaders, and media organizations. His diplomatic efforts were most successful in stopping Israel from continuing to violate the holy sites of Islam and Christianity in Jerusalem. In order to advance the peace process and create an independent Palestinian state on Palestinian national territory, His Majesty concentrated his efforts on securing political backing from the Arab and international community. In order to guarantee Jerusalem's safety and sanctities, he also maintained constant contact on the Arab and global fronts. In every meeting that he held in an international venue, His Majesty made it very clear and blunt that "Jerusalem, as the key to peace, is also the key to war." He reaffirmed that the creation of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital is the only way to bring about a fair, comprehensive, and lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian problem.
The developments surrounding the negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians and the significance of international efforts to support efforts towards achieving a just and comprehensive peace and stability for the Middle East region and its peoples piqued His Majesty's interest during his meetings. This was a reference to the two-state solution, which calls for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with its capital in East Jerusalem on Palestinian national territory inside the 1967 borders, coexisting alongside the state of Israel. He underlined the necessity of serious negotiations to resolve the final status issues and warned against Israeli unilateral acts, especially with regard to settlement policies and efforts to erase the Arab, Islamic, and Christian identities of Jerusalem. Such a course of action would increase tensions and negatively impact both the prospects for peace and the future of the peoples of the Middle East.
In his interactions with numerous international leaders, His Majesty reaffirmed these values. In 2014, he had meetings with Nursultan Nazarbayev, the President of Kazakhstan, in Amman, the German Chancellor, in Berlin, and the Prime Minister of Kosovo, Atifete Jahjaga, in Berlin. Along with meeting with the Pope in Vatican City, the foreign ministers of Spain (Jose Manuel), the Netherlands (Bert Koenders), and Turkey (Mevlut Cavusoglu), he also discussed with all of them the significance of stepping up international efforts to advance the peace process.
On October 25, 2015, His Majesty had meetings with French President Francois Hollande in Paris as well as Czech Prime Minister Sobotka. Additionally, on August 25, 2015, he had meetings with Russian President Vladimir Putin, on November 20, 2015, in Madrid, with King Felipe VI of Spain, and on November 20, 2015, in Ottawa, and in Amman, with the Governor General of Canada.
His Majesty met with European leaders on a number of occasions, including a December 2014 delegation from the British House of Commons Defense Committee, the August 5, 2015 reception of Ronald Lauder, President of the World Jewish Congress, based in the United States, the September 20, 2015 reception of Donald Tusk, President of the European Council, and the October 28, 2015, reception of Christian Cambon, President of the Franco-Jordanian Friendship Group in the French Senate. Additionally, on January 25, 2016, he had a meeting with a British parliamentary delegation. On February 3, 2016, he had two separate meetings in London with the chairs of the British Parliament's Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Security Committees leaders in politics and academia. Throughout all of these meetings, His Majesty reiterated his opposition to Israeli unilateral measures while underlining the importance of the Palestinian issue as the crux of the conflict in the region and pushing for the start of peace talks aimed at resolving it.
This was stressed by His Majesty King Abdullah II in his remarks at international gatherings, such as the address he gave in New York during the UN General Assembly's sixty-ninth session. On December 10, 2015, he also spoke at the Mediterranean Dialogues Conference in the Italian capital, where he covered the regional challenges, particularly the Palestinian problem. Furthermore, in his address at the general assembly of the seventieth session of the United Nations General Assembly, he reiterated these values, stressing the significance of coexistence, tolerance, and rejection of Israeli aggressions. In his remarks to the European Parliament on May 14, 2015, at the Asian-African Summit in Jakarta, on February 12, 2016, at the Munich Security Conference, and on April 1, 2016, when he attended the Nuclear Security Summit in Washington, he restated these points.
Because the United States is a major force and a peace sponsor in the area, it plays a big role in the globe at large, particularly with regard to the Palestinian issue and other Arab issues. For these reasons, His Majesty's repeated encounters with the American administration carried particular significance. It was imperative that His Majesty provide American decision-makers with an explanation of the Arab perspective on the Jerusalem and Palestinian issues. As a result, His Majesty paid multiple visits and spoke with a number of American officials, including:
During the April 2009 encounter with President Obama, the monarch became the first Arab head of state to visit the US following Obama's inauguration. On May 17, 2011, His Majesty held another meeting with President Barack Obama at the White House in Washington, D.C., wherein the latter stressed the significance of the U.S. administration's dedication to a just peace in the Middle East predicated on the two-state solution, which guarantees the creation of an independent Palestinian state on the 1967 borders. Achieving the lasting peace that peoples seek and defend requires addressing all final status issues, including borders, refugees, and Jerusalem. Additionally, this was reiterated on February 24, 2016, at his meeting with President Obama, when they made encouraging joint statements about pertaining to the Palestinian problem were published. At the end of the visit, President Obama declared that, for the first time in the history of American administrations, an independent Palestinian state had to be established on the 1967 boundaries in order for Israel and Palestine to coexist in security, peace, and stability.
While in the nation's capital, His Majesty King Abdullah II spearheaded a noteworthy and dynamic initiative on multiple fronts and levels.
His Majesty stressed the significance of the United States' participation in establishing a two-state solution that will result in the foundation of an independent Palestinian state coexisting peacefully and securely with Israel during his meeting with Senate committees.
On May 16, 2011, he also had a meeting with members of Arab and Islamic organizations, during which His Majesty stressed the significance of the role that these groups play in the United States in aiding the administration's efforts to promote peace in the Middle East. His Majesty urged these groups to step up their efforts in support of the Palestinian people's legitimate rights, the most important of which is the creation of an independent state for them on the lines of June 4, 1967, with East Jerusalem as its capital.
It is only natural that His Majesty King Abdullah II would use his time living in American society during his studies to make the desired impression on Congress, the American public, and the American administration, given his full awareness of the scope and weight of the national and nationalist responsibility bestowed upon him. As a result, in his 2007 speeches to the US Congress, he combined ethical, practical, emotional, and historical perspectives with his deep understanding of culture and wealth of experience. This had a profound effect on his audience, eliciting numerous standing ovations from members of both chambers as well as the then-Speaker of the House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, and the then-Majority Leader of the Senate, Dick Cheney , who acknowledged the value of His Majesty's thoughts and acted with respect, admiration, and gratitude.
Following this course, His Majesty dealt with all succeeding American presidents on Arab issues, such as the Palestinian cause and the Jerusalem question, using his knowledge, skills, and self-assurance. The most recent of which was his trip to Washington to meet with a number of influential Americans and President-elect Trump. He met President-elect Trump for the first time as a foreign leader, and during their talks, he emphasized Jordan's crucial role in the peace process as well as the need to achieve both world security and peace in the area beset by terrorism, violence, and civil war. In addition, His Majesty met with the vice president of the United States, the secretaries of defense and foreign affairs, as well as the leaders and members of a number of congressional committees in both chambers, to address the American people. He stressed the greatness of Islam and how it is a victim of international terrorism that disregards nationality or religious affiliation. In addition, His Majesty emphasized the importance of moving the peace process forward by bringing attention to the Palestinian cause and the Jerusalem problem. "I have the honor of bearing the Hashemite responsibility for the Islamic and Christian sanctities in Jerusalem," he declared. He also issued a warning about the potential negative effects of moving the American embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, including how it would affect efforts to achieve peace, undermine the two-state solution, and incite instability in the area Some people may become frustrated as a result, which could push them into radicalism and terrorism. Leaders in American culture began to understand His Majesty's remarks, which changed the country's conversation and viewpoint on settlements and the significance of the two-state solution. By using the language of reason, wisdom, sagacity, and sound opinion, King Abdullah II addressed them and thus accomplished a substantial and supportive victory, setting a pattern in politics and diplomacy. These qualities are gifts from God. As a result, they all followed his guidance, and a few of them formally proclaimed that His Majesty King Abdullah II is a revered and respected person whose counsel they value and follow.
Furthermore, His Majesty had several meetings and conversations with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry regarding the developments in the region, particularly when Israeli occupation forces intensified their attacks on the hallowed Al-Aqsa Mosque. On October 11, 2015, and October 21, 2015, His Majesty communicated with the U.S. Secretary of State. On January 11, 2016, he met in Washington, D.C., with delegates from American organizations that support Arab and Islamic Americans. During these discussions, His Majesty talked about how to move the peace process toward a two-state solution and cautioned against the threats posed by the aggressive actions of the Israeli occupation authorities.
Furthermore, on March 10, 2016, His Majesty had a meeting in Amman with Joe Biden, the Vice President of the United States, to talk about attempts to bring about peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
In addition, His Majesty had many meetings with the President of the World Bank Group as well as Ban Ki-moon, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, on October 22, 2015, and March 27, 2016. They underlined throughout these sessions the necessity of stepping up efforts to break the impasse in the peaceful process between Israelis and Palestinians.
Jordan attended international conferences, including those held by UNESCO, as part of its Hashemite commitment to defending the Christian and Islamic holy places in Jerusalem, particularly the Al-Aqsa Mosque, and preventing Israeli authorities from interfering with its holiness. Delegates from Jordan presented plans to return the road in the Bab al-Maghariba area to its pre-Israeli excavation status while attending UNESCO meetings and technical talks on Jerusalem. The design sought to maintain the natural environment, Islamic character, and local heritage. Jordan was successful in getting the World Heritage Committee to rule against Israel's plan to construct the Maghariba Bridge on the grounds that it was against culture and history. In contrast, the Jordanian proposal was approved by UNESCO.
Jordan sent numerous warnings to Israel about settlement development, wall construction, excavations, and demolitions in Jerusalem. Jordan has issued a warning against the regular invasions by Jewish radicals into the Al-Aqsa Mosque, where they are trying to partition it both spatially and temporally. These acts contravene the Fourth Geneva Convention's status for Jerusalem's Arab territories, violate pertinent international legitimacy resolutions, and attempt to modify the legal status of occupied Jerusalem. Jordan has always played a significant role in protecting and fostering the Islamic sanctities of Jerusalem, and it has sent memoranda about these attacks to pertinent international organizations.
Jordan, along with other Arab countries, persisted in its efforts at UNESCO, blocking Israel's bid to register Arab landmarks as Jewish and add Jerusalem to the list of World Heritage sites. As a result of these efforts, in July 2008, during its 32nd session held in Quebec, Canada, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee made the following affirmation:
Rejecting Israel's repeated demands to be removed, the Old City of Jerusalem and its walls are nevertheless listed as World Heritage monuments in risk.
keeping an eye on excavations taking place under and around Jerusalem's Old City and insisting that the Israeli authorities submit comprehensive reports and information about their work.
pleading with Israel to desist from measures that jeopardize Jerusalem's historic assets and restrict Muslims' freedom of religion.
requesting a thorough report on Jerusalem's heritage and cultural properties' upkeep and restoration.
It is important to note that any design for the Bab al-Maghariba road must respect UNESCO's 1972 Convention, be authentic to the region, and avoid changing Jerusalem's unique character.
In addition, on December 23, 2016, Resolution 2334 was adopted by the UN Security Council as a result of the efforts of Jordan and friendly countries. This resolution declared Israel's establishment of settlements in the occupied territory since 1967 to be unlawful and demanded that Israel stop all settlement activity in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. It was the first Israel and Palestine-related Security Council resolution since 2008.
King Abdullah II conveyed Jordan's position on important international topics, especially the Palestinian cause, in a number of interviews:
In November 2009, King Abdullah II said that if negotiations failed to produce a solution, the status quo would lead to instability and increased escalation in an interview with the London-based Al-Hayat newspaper. In order to achieve a two-state solution, he encouraged Israel to stop building settlements, hold productive negotiations that resolve all outstanding problems related to the final status of the conflict within a predetermined timeline, and follow the established framework.
During a panel discussion facilitated by CNN's Fareed Zakaria at the World Economic Forum in Davos in late November 2010, King Abdullah II stressed that a comprehensive resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict would address other regional challenges. He underlined that the Israeli-Palestinian problem is still the greatest issue in the area because all roads in their region lead to Jerusalem when asked if Iran's rise, meddling in Lebanon and Palestinian territory, was the main cause for concern.
In a number of pertinent meetings, His Majesty reaffirmed Jordan's continuous support for the two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian issue, including:
His Majesty said, "What is currently required is clear to all parties: a fully independent Palestinian state, and Israel integrated with its Arab neighbors in an environment of peace and security," in a December 2002 piece titled "The True Voice of Peace" that appeared in The Washington Post. Because of this, Jordan is a strong supporter of the Arab Peace Initiative, which was adopted at the March 2002 Arab Summit in Beirut and commits all Arab states to a peace agreement with Israel and the creation of a state for the Palestinian people. It also includes guarantees of collective security and a mutually agreed-upon solution to the refugee problem. Jordan efficiently collaborates with the US, Russia, Europe, and UN to develop a schedule and roadmap for a long-term and sustainable end to the conflict."
"Let us have ambition... the ambition to overcome violence and occupation and to reach the day when there are two states, Palestine and Israel, living together, side by side, in peace and security," His Majesty declared in a June 2003 speech at the Red Sea Summit. We now possess the tool necessary to turn this goal become a reality on the ground. It is a strategy, a road map, that takes into account the requirements of both Israelis and Palestinians. All Arabs guarantee Israeli security under this plan, which also calls for a peace deal, normalized relations with Arab nations, and an end to the hostilities. For Palestinians, it means the end of occupation, the establishment of a sovereign state, and the assurance of a free and prosperous people."
"There must be a message directed to Israel, affirming its major responsibility for achieving peace in this region," His Majesty said in a March 2007 interview with the satellite channel Al Arabiya about the status of affairs and the upcoming Arab Summit in Riyadh. It must pursue this peace and adopt the Arab Peace Initiative, which ensures that its people will live in security and harmony with the peoples of this region, if it truly want to live in peace there. I, along with a few of my Arab brothers, have reached out to the globe on every platform possible to spread the message and voice of peace. Through this summit, we Arabs hope to spread the word about peace, identify ourselves as peace champions, and express our desire to reject extremism and bloodshed. In exchange, Israel has to acknowledge its obligations to its people, the future of the area, and future generations as well as to embrace the two-state solution as a means of achieving peace."
"Ending the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will be the beginning of addressing other crises in the region," stated His Majesty in an interview with the Egyptian newspaper Al-Ahram in May 2007. "This, in my opinion, serves the interests of global peace and stability."
"What the region is witnessing reveals the urgent need to establish a comprehensive peace based primarily on a radical solution to the Arab-Israeli conflict and the establishment of the Palestinian state on Palestinian land," His Majesty stated in a June 2007 interview with the Saudi newspaper Okaz. The best framework for attaining a fair, all-encompassing, and long-lasting peace that offers security and stability for the peoples is the Arab Peace Initiative, which lays out the idea of land for peace
During his February 2008 lecture at Princeton University's Woodrow Wilson School, His Majesty declared, "Occupation, barriers, and military force cannot be Israel's permanent security measures. Israel will truly be secure when it is a people among peoples, an economy among economies, and a neighbor living among neighbors, all cooperating to accomplish shared objectives and build a promising future."
"The Arab Peace Initiative will result in the creation of two states - Israel and the independent Palestinian state - living side by side in peace and security," His Majesty declared in a February 2008 interview with the ITAR-TASS news agency. It backs reaching a consensus on resolving the Palestinian refugee crisis."
During an interview with the French magazine L'Express in August 2008, His Majesty stated, "This demonstrates Israel's disinterest in achieving a two-state solution." It's evident that their words and deeds on the ground on the other side are never the same every time they establish a new community. Despite their eloquent remarks on the matter, I am convinced by the settlements, negotiations with Syria, and certain recent Israeli initiatives that Israeli authorities are not seeking a resolution to the Palestinian issue, and that what is happening to the Palestinians is also illegal.
In a brief interview with the editors of the Jordanian newspapers Al-Rai and Al-Ghad on August 3, 2006, King Abdullah II summed up the whole matter by stating, "Arab peoples will support every effort and every stance to restore their rights, which is a fact that America and Israel need to understand." Resistance, together with its public extension and support, will always exist in the context of aggression and occupation. Arab peoples are aware of American bias in favor of Israel and the fact that security in the Arab world is contingent upon Palestinian stability, rights restoration, and statebuilding."