Jerusalem Must be Preserved as a City of Peace, Urges King Abdullah II at the UN

Jerusalem Must be Preserved as a City of Peace, Urges King Abdullah II at the UN

King Abdullah II of Jordan has recently addressed the United Nations, emphasizing the crucial need for a resolution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict. He identified this issue as the key security concern in the Middle East and urged for global solidarity to resolve it. He warned that the region’s suffering would persist until this conflict is settled, criticizing the Israeli government’s disbelief in the creation of a Palestinian state.

Advocacy for a Two-State Solution

In his address, King Abdullah advocated for a two-state solution, with the pre-1967 borders, including East Jerusalem as the Palestinian capital. He noted the plight of five million Palestinians living under Israeli rule, deprived of their civil rights, mobility, and autonomy. King Abdullah contended that the delay in Palestinian statehood has resulted in “endless cycles of violence” and has undermined Palestinians’ faith in the international community’s support.

Preserving Jerusalem as a City of Faith and Peace

The King also called for the global community to help preserve Jerusalem as a city of faith and peace, given its importance to the three major monotheistic religions. He urged UN member states to support the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian refugees and its schools, arguing that these institutions are vital in preventing Palestinian extremism.

Support from Turkish President Erdogan and Emir of Qatar

Similar sentiments were echoed by Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in his address to the UNGA. Erdogan pledged Turkey’s continued support for the Palestinian people. He argued that without an independent Palestinian state based on the 1967 borders, Israel would struggle to find the peace and security it seeks.

Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, the emir of Qatar, also expressed his concern about the ongoing Israeli control of Palestinian territories. He criticized the Israeli government’s rejection of any just political solution, implying that it is unacceptable for the Palestinian people to continue under Israeli rule.