King warns continued absence of prospects to resolve Palestinian issue threatens global stability

Amman
28 November 2019

His Majesty King Abdullah has warned that the continued absence of prospects for a just, comprehensive, and lasting solution to the Palestinian issue, the Middle East’s central cause, threatens regional and global stability and security.

In a letter to the chairman of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, Cheikh Niang, on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People marked annually on 29 November, King Abdullah also warned that unilateral measures including land appropriation, and violation of international law and human rights would only fuel conflict and frustration, thus empowering extremism.

His Majesty called for stepping up efforts to end the Palestinian-Israeli conflict on the basis of the two-state solution, which would achieve just and comprehensive peace, leading to the establishment of the independent, sovereign, and viable Palestinian state on the 4 June 1967 lines with East Jerusalem as its capital—the solution in line with international law and relevant UN resolutions.

The King reaffirmed that the two-state solution is the only realistic and implementable solution. The alternative is an apartheid state with unequal laws.

His Majesty also stressed Jordan’s commitment to the Hashemite Custodianship over Islamic and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, noting that the entire international community has a responsibility towards safeguarding the holy city.

Jordan will continue working to preserve the Arab identity of Jerusalem and support the steadfastness of Arab Jerusalemites, while countering any attempts to alter the historical and legal status quo in the holy city, the King added.

His Majesty underscored the importance of resolving the final status issue of refugees to ensure the right of return and compensation, noting the need to provide support for UNRWA to enable it to continue its humanitarian services and duties towards guaranteeing a decent life for refugees.

Also in the letter, the King expressed support for the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People in its efforts to galvanise international support for the Palestinian cause, commending its role in defending the rights of the Palestinian people.