Full Breakdown
Jordan's King Abdullah on International Forces in Gaza: Peacekeeping or Peace Enforcing?
10/28/2025, 1:53:09 AM
Overview of the Situation
In the wake of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, King Abdullah II of Jordan has expressed significant reservations regarding the proposed international forces under U.S. President Donald Trump's 20-point peace plan. The plan aims to stabilize the region by deploying forces to train Palestinian police and oversee a ceasefire, contingent upon Hamas disarming and relinquishing political control of Gaza.
King Abdullah's Concerns
King Abdullah articulated his concerns during an exclusive interview with BBC Panorama, emphasizing that the mandate of any international forces must be clearly defined as peacekeeping rather than peace enforcing. He stated, “What is the mandate of security forces inside of Gaza? And we hope that it is peacekeeping, because if it's peace enforcing, nobody will want to touch that.” His comments reflect a broader apprehension among Arab states about being drawn into a complex and potentially violent conflict.
The King highlighted Jordan's unique position, noting that over half of its population is of Palestinian descent and that the country has absorbed 2.3 million Palestinian refugees over the years. He firmly stated that Jordan would not send its forces into Gaza due to its close political ties to the situation.
The Role of International Mediators
The mediation efforts in the conflict have primarily been led by Qatar and Egypt, with the U.S. playing a significant role. King Abdullah has undertaken three missions over Gaza to deliver aid, describing the devastation he witnessed as “shocking.” He criticized the international community for its inaction, stating, “How we, as the international community, are allowing this to happen is mind-boggling.”
Perspectives from Hamas and Other Stakeholders
Hamas has indicated a willingness to accept a United Nations peacekeeping role in Gaza, contingent upon a broader peace plan. Senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya mentioned that the group is in discussions with other Palestinian factions regarding disarmament and governance, suggesting a potential shift in their stance if certain conditions are met.
However, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham has voiced skepticism about the feasibility of the Trump plan, warning that it might inadvertently empower Hamas rather than neutralize it. He echoed King Abdullah's concerns, labeling the expectation for an international force to disarm Hamas as “unrealistic.”
Official Statements & Responses
Queen Rania of Jordan praised President Trump for applying pressure on Israel to negotiate a ceasefire, acknowledging his unique approach compared to previous administrations. She expressed hope for a lasting peace, albeit recognizing the significant animosity and grief that currently exists between Israelis and Palestinians.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While King Abdullah and other leaders have raised concerns about the nature of international forces, the specifics of the proposed stabilization force remain unclear. There is ongoing debate about which countries would participate, with Israel explicitly opposing the inclusion of Turkish troops.
Verbatim Quotes
- “What is the mandate of security forces inside of Gaza? And we hope that it is peacekeeping, because if it's peace enforcing, nobody will want to touch that,” — King Abdullah II of Jordan
- “I've seen it myself, and how we, as the international community, are allowing this to happen is mind-boggling.” — King Abdullah II of Jordan
- “To his credit, Trump was the first president in a long time to actually apply pressure on Israel.” — Queen Rania of Jordan
- “ "To expect an international force to go to war with Hamas to require their disarmament is unrealistic.” — Senator Lindsey Graham
The situation in Gaza remains fluid, with ongoing discussions about the role of international forces and the future of peace in the region.
