Jordan's King Abdullah-II Expresses Concerns on International Security Force in Gaza

Jordan's King Abdullah-II has highlighted the complexities of creating an international security force to maintain peace in Gaza, emphasizing the importance of a clear mandate for peacekeeping rather than enforcing peace. In a recent interview with the BBC, the King stressed that most nations willing to participate in the force would likely reject any deployment if their role involved enforcing peace, rather than maintaining it. This concern stems from the delicate political and geographical context of the region, with Jordan's proximity to the Palestinian cause and its own population's ties to Palestinian descent.

Key Takeaways:

• King Abdullah-II has expressed concerns about the international security force's mandate, stating that nations may reject deployment if their role involves enforcing peace rather than maintaining it.
• Arab and international partners would only support a mission aimed at peacekeeping, not one that risks active conflict with Palestinian groups.
• Jordan and Egypt are willing to train Palestinian security forces as part of the international security force, but this process will take time.
• The Jordanian leader has ruled out sending Jordanian forces to Gaza due to the country's political proximity to the Palestinian cause and its population's ties to Palestinian descent.
• Jordan has taken in 2.3 million Palestinian refugees fleeing previous wars with Israel, the largest number in the region.
• King Abdullah-II has been a key mediator in delivering aid to Gaza and evacuating sick and wounded children, having flown over the territory on three aid-dropping missions.
• The US President's 20-point peace plan requires Hamas to disarm and relinquish control of the enclave.

Statistics:

• Over 2.3 million Palestinian refugees have fled to Jordan from previous wars with Israel.
• More than half of Jordan's population is of Palestinian descent.
• The US President's 20-point peace plan includes the requirement for Hamas to disarm and relinquish control of Gaza.

Sources:

1. "Jordan's leader King Abdullah-II has said that most nations who were willing to participate would likely reject any deployment of their troops to the task force if their role involved "enforcing" peace rather than maintaining it." - BBC Interview

2. "Under US President Trump's 20-point peace plan, Arab states and international partners are to commit a stabilisation forces that "will train and provide support to vetted Palestinian police forces in Gaza, and will consult with Jordan and Egypt who have extensive experience in this field."" - United News of India publication with permission from HT Digital Content Services