The History and Legacy of the Conflict Between the Palestinians and Jordan

The relationship between Palestinians and Jordan has been marked by a complex and often tumultuous history, characterized by periods of cooperation, conflict, and uneasy coexistence. This article delves into the origins, key events, and enduring legacy of the Palestinian-Jordanian conflict, examining its political, social, and economic dimensions.

Historical Context: The Birth of the Palestinian Refugee Problem

The conflict between Palestinians and Jordan has its roots in the aftermath of the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, when hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were displaced from their homes and became refugees in neighboring countries, including Jordan. The influx of Palestinian refugees into Jordan significantly altered the country's demographic landscape, creating tensions between the native Jordanian population and the newly arrived Palestinians.

Black September: The History and Legacy of the Conflict Between the Palestinians and Jordan in 1970

by Charles River Editors

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Black September: A Turning Point in Relations

One of the most significant events in the Palestinian-Jordanian conflict was the Black September events of 1970. After years of growing tensions between the Jordanian government and Palestinian militant groups, the Jordanian army launched a military operation to quell the Palestinian presence in Jordan. The operation, which resulted in the deaths of thousands of Palestinians, marked a turning point in relations between the two sides.

The Amman Accords: A Step Towards Reconciliation

In the years following Black September, Jordan and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) worked towards a gradual reconciliation. In 1988, the two sides signed the Amman Accords, which granted Palestinians limited autonomy in the occupied West Bank and Gaza Strip, and formally ended Jordan's claim to the West Bank.

The Oslo Accords and the Peace Process

The Oslo Accords, signed in 1993, marked a historic turning point in the Israeli-Palestinian peace process. Jordan played a mediating role in the negotiations and became one of the first Arab countries to establish diplomatic ties with Israel.

Water Rights and Economic Ties

Water rights have been a persistent source of tension between Palestinians and Jordan. Jordan's control over the headwaters of the Jordan River has given it significant leverage in negotiations with Israel and the Palestinians. Water scarcity in Jordan and the refugee camps in the West Bank has exacerbated the situation.

Despite the political conflicts, Jordan and the Palestinian territories have maintained economic ties. Palestinian labor has played a significant role in Jordan's economy, and Jordan has been a major trading partner for the West Bank and Gaza.

Legacies and Continuing Challenges

The Palestinian-Jordanian conflict continues to cast a long shadow over relations between the two sides. The unresolved refugee issue, the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and the legacy of Black September continue to impede efforts towards full reconciliation.

Challenges remain in addressing the economic and social disparities between Palestinian refugees and the Jordanian population, as well as in finding a just and sustainable solution to the water rights issue.

The conflict between Palestinians and Jordan is a complex and multifaceted issue that has evolved over decades. The legacy of past events and the ongoing challenges continue to shape relations between the two sides. A comprehensive understanding of the historical, political, and economic dimensions of this conflict is crucial for fostering dialogue, reconciliation, and a more peaceful future for both Palestinians and Jordanians.

Black September: The History and Legacy of the Conflict Between the Palestinians and Jordan in 1970

by Charles River Editors

4.1 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3698 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	53 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE