Introduction
In 1988, Jordan officially relinquished its claim over Judea and Samaria (West Bank) as stipulated by the Oslo Accords. This decision, made by King Hussein, aimed to support the establishment of a Palestinian state while maintaining its role as the custodian of holy sites in Jerusalem. However, this move came with several complexities and implications.
Historical Context and Reasons for Relinquishment
The reasons behind Jordan's decision to relinquish its claim over the West Bank are multifaceted. Jordan initially sought to maintain its influence over the region but ultimately decided to support Palestinian independence. The ethnic makeup of Jordan, combined with the region's geopolitical dynamics, played a significant role in this choice.
According to then-King Hussein, Jordan’s ruling party, the Hashemites, and its Bedouin power base benefited more from maintaining neutrality in the West Bank. The local population had stronger ties to the fedayeen, whom the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) supported during the 1970 Black September revolt. Relocating these residents to Jordan would have been impractical and potentially destabilizing.
Official Announcement and Intentions
On July 31, 1988, King Hussein announced the severance of all legal and administrative ties with the West Bank, except for the ongoing sponsorship of Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem. This decision was made to support the Palestinian cause in establishing an independent state. The King stated, “This decision was made with the aim of helping the Palestinian people establish their own independent state.”
Legal and Administrative Changes
Jordan's action under the Oslo Accords was more about diplomatic recognition rather than territorial annexation. The Oslo Accords required the creation of a Palestinian state within five years of signing the Accords. This requirement, along with Jordan’s recognition of the PLO’s claims to a State of Palestine, solidified their stance on the matter.
According to the Accords, Jordan supported the establishment of a Palestinian state, recognizing the PLO’s claims. Despite this, Jordan retained its role as the custodian of Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem, a role it had held since 1967.
UNESCO Recognition and International Support
The international community has shown support for the Palestinian state through various forms of recognition. As of 2017, 138 out of 193 UN member states recognize the State of Palestine as an observer state, similar to the Vatican. This recognition is a significant step towards the international community's support for Palestinian statehood.
The situation in the West Bank is further supported by the recognition of the Palestinian territories by 156 out of 193 UN member states, compared to only 6 that do not recognize them. These numbers include almost all European countries and 14 out of 15 members of the UN Security Council, as indicated in UN Security Council Resolution 2334.
Implications and Controversies
The decision by Jordan to relinquish its claim over the West Bank has various implications. While it supports the Palestinian cause, it also highlights the ongoing complexities in the region. Many West Bank residents do not hold Jordanian citizenship, and those who do might prefer their Palestinian citizenship, which they would lose if they moved to Jordan.
From a geopolitical standpoint, the decision supports political Zionists who advocate for a demilitarized Palestinian state with minimal Arab presence. However, it also reflects the broader challenge of achieving a lasting peace in the region, where historical, cultural, and political ties are deeply intertwined.
Conclusion
King Hussein's decision to relinquish Jordan's claims over the West Bank was a strategic move aimed at supporting Palestinian statehood. However, it also underscores the challenges and complexities involved in achieving a comprehensive peace in the region. Jordan's role in the Palestinian cause remains significant, and its decisions continue to have far-reaching implications for the ongoing conflict.