Introduction: Understanding the Relationship Between Jordan & Palestine
The relationship between Jordan and Palestine is a complex tapestry woven from demographic, historical, and political threads. This article explores how Jordan is, in many ways, both a de jure and a de facto Palestinian state, drawing on statements from Jordanian royalty, historical events, and demographic data.
Historical Background of the Modern State of Jordan
The modern state of Jordan emerged from the Sykes-Picot Agreement following World War I, initially as part of Mandatory Palestine. In 1922, the area of Mandatory Palestine east of the Jordan River was designated as Transjordan, separate from the rest of Palestine where Jewish settlement was to be promoted. In other words, Jordan is a part – indeed the largest part – of Mandatory Palestine.
Jordan's role in Palestinian affairs was significantly shaped post-1948 when King Abdullah I intervened in the Arab-Israeli conflict, leading to Jordan's annexation of the West Bank in 1950. King Abdullah's declaration of "complete unity" between the two sides of the Jordan River was a pivotal moment:
"On 24 April 1950, Jordan formally annexed the West Bank (including East Jerusalem) declaring 'complete unity between the two sides of the Jordan and their union in one state... at whose head reigns King Abdullah Ibn al Hussain'."
This annexation was controversial, recognized only by Britain, Iraq, and Pakistan, but it doubled Jordan's population and integrated the West Bank's inhabitants as Jordanian citizens.
Statements from Jordanian Leadership
The historical and demographic ties have been openly acknowledged by Jordanian leaders:
King Hussein bin Talal stated in 1981, “The truth is that Jordan is Palestine and Palestine is Jordan.”
Prince El Hassan bin Talal in 1970 went further, saying, “Palestine is Jordan and Jordan is Palestine; there is one people and one land, with one history and one and the same fate.”
These statements underscore a recognition of Jordan as a Palestinian state..
The Demographic Reality of Modern Jordan:
Today, the demographic reality in Jordan strongly supports the notion of it being a de facto Palestinian state:
70% of Jordanians are of Palestinian origin.
Approximately 2.4 million Palestinian refugees reside in Jordan.
88% of the total population has Palestinian origins, combining both citizens and non-citizen refugees.
The Queen of Jordan, Queen Rania, herself is of Palestinian descent.
In Amman, the capital, 80% of the citizens are of Palestinian origin.
These statistics not only reflect the significant Palestinian presence in Jordan but also the integration of Palestinian culture and identity into the fabric of Jordanian society.
Conclusion: Jordan's Connection with Palestinian Identity
Jordan's deep-rooted connection with Palestinian identity, culture, territory and demographics positions it uniquely in Middle Eastern politics. While the political and legal dimensions of this relationship continue to evolve, for many, Jordan has become more than just a host; it has become a homeland for Palestinians, shaping the discourse on Israeli sovereignty over Judea and Samaria.
This perspective is crucial for think tanks like One Jewish State, which advocate for a nuanced understanding of regional dynamics in advocating for Israeli territorial claims.
One Jewish State continues to monitor these developments, advocating for policies that recognize historical and demographic realities while promoting peace and stability in the region. For those who demand a Palestinian state, we say that one already exists – Jordan!