Jordan Formally Annexes West Bank Despite International Opposition
King Abdullah announces unification of Jordan's East and West Banks, incorporating Palestinian territories and residents into the Hashemite Kingdom.
AMMAN - King Abdullah of Jordan today formally announced the annexation of the West Bank, uniting the territories west of the Jordan River with his kingdom despite widespread international opposition and Arab League condemnation.
The annexation follows a conference in Jericho where Palestinian notables called for unity with Jordan. The move incorporates approximately 2,200 square miles and 400,000 Palestinian residents, tripling Jordan’s population.
“We extend full citizenship to our Palestinian brothers,” King Abdullah declared. “The East and West Banks of the Jordan are united under the Hashemite crown.”
The Arab League strongly condemned the annexation, with Egypt leading opposition to what it calls Jordan’s “unilateral grab” of Palestinian territory. Only Iraq has expressed support for Jordan’s move.
Israel, while not formally recognizing the annexation, has indicated it prefers Jordanian control to an independent Palestinian state. Secret negotiations between Israeli and Jordanian officials reportedly included discussions on dividing former Mandatory Palestine.
Palestinian reactions are mixed. While some welcome Jordanian citizenship and economic opportunities, others view the annexation as betraying aspirations for an independent Palestinian state. The Mufti of Jerusalem, Hajj Amin al-Husseini, denounced the move from exile.
The United Nations and most member states have refused to recognize the annexation, maintaining that the West Bank’s final status must be determined through negotiation. Britain, Jordan’s closest ally, has notably declined to endorse the territorial expansion.
This development effectively eliminates prospects for an independent Palestinian state in the West Bank, leaving Palestinian nationalism without a territorial base between Israeli and Jordanian control.