Understanding the relationship between Palestine and Jordan requires looking at a shared history that stretches back over a century. These two lands, separated by a relatively short border, have been intertwined through the Ottoman Empire, the British Mandate, and the subsequent formation of modern states. The connection is not merely geographical; it is a deep-seated bond of lineage, displacement, and political reality that continues to shape the lives of millions.
A Shared Historical Tapestry
The modern narratives of Palestine and Jordan are inextricably linked to the dissolution of the Ottoman Empire after World War I. The region was initially governed under the British Mandate for Palestine, a period that saw increasing tensions between Jewish and Arab communities. Jordan, then known as Transjordan, was carved out as a separate entity under the leadership of Emir Abdullah, creating a distinct political entity that maintained close ties with the western portion of the mandate. This historical separation established the foundations for two distinct, yet deeply connected, national identities.
The 1948 War and the West Bank
During the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, the territory of Mandatory Palestine was fractured. Israel was established, and Jordanian forces captured the West Bank and East Jerusalem, areas that had been intended for a future Arab state. This event was pivotal for Jordan, as it annexed the West Bank and granted citizenship to the Palestinian refugees who had fled or been expelled. For decades, this annexation represented a tangible connection between the Jordanian state and the Palestinian cause, embedding the Palestinian issue at the heart of Jordanian national identity.
Political Dynamics and the PLO
In the late 1960s, the political landscape shifted dramatically with the rise of the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). Following the 1967 Six-Day War, which resulted in Israel occupying the West Bank, tensions between the Jordanian monarchy and the PLO grew. The PLO, based in Jordan, became a state within a state, leading to violent clashes in 1970. The subsequent expulsion of the PLO from Jordan marked a clear separation of political power, yet the refugee population that settled in Jordan remained a powerful political and social force, maintaining a direct link to the Palestinian homeland.
Primary Political Entity
The Refugee Experience and Modern Life
Jordan hosts one of the largest populations of Palestinian refugees in the world, many of whom have lived in camps for generations. These camps, such as those in Amman, Zarqa, and Irbid, are a stark reminder of the unresolved conflict. While Jordanian citizens of Palestinian descent enjoy full rights, the refugee population often lives in difficult conditions. This demographic reality ensures that Palestinian politics, culture, and aspirations are a constant presence in Jordanian society, influencing everything from elections to social discourse.
