Working for Peace

Jordan is working with all international partners to address the region’s key central crisis and single greatest driver of division and instability: the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Jordan considers a resolution to this conflict a top national priority, which also serves the interests of the region and wider international community, including the European Union.

Jordan asserts that a two-state solution that ends the conflict by meeting the needs of both sides is the only way for a secure and lasting peace. Jordan calls for a sovereign, independent and viable Palestine, and security for Israel. This consistent with all major international proposals, including the Arab Peace Initiative, which promises to bring Israel peace not only with the Palestinians, but also with 57 Arab and Muslim countries.

Despite all efforts, today’s peace process is at a dangerous impasse. Israel continues settlement activity unabated – despite every international ruling, and in the face of international condemnation – The settlements in Jerusalem are particularly concerning as they affect a key Final Status issue that is to be resolved through negotiations only. Negotiations themselves are at a halt, frustrations continue to rise as do tensions in Jerusalem, the holy city for the three monotheistic religions. Jordan is concerned that all of this is a recipe for a renewed cycle of violence that fuels extremists on all sides at an already turbulent time.

Despite all of this, Jordan remains hopeful. As one of only two Arab states to hold a peace treaty with Israel, Jordan knows all too well that with enough goodwill on all sides, and an international commitment, peace can be within reach. Accordingly, Jordan is seeking a new and vigorous international push for the resumption of peace talks, with concrete steps toward a decisive end to conflict.

Negotiations must go forward, and soon, resolving the final status of all five key issues: borders, Jerusalem, refugees, settlements and regional security. Only then will the conflict cease to be a flashpoint for global instability – and people on both sides can get on with a future in peace.