Post by : Rameen Ariff

Jordan’s King Abdullah warned that nations would balk at being asked to "enforce" peace in Gaza under the Trump ceasefire blueprint, cautioning such a role risks drawing foreign forces into the conflict.

The monarch said the proposed stabilization mission must remain limited to peacekeeping; if it becomes a "peace-enforcing" operation, participation would evaporate.

King Abdullah emphasised that Jordan and Egypt can train large numbers of Palestinian police to support local security, but sending armed forces into Gaza would destabilise rather than secure the territory. "Supporting Palestinian police is something we can do at scale. But operating in Gaza with weapons is not an option any state would accept," he said, underlining the precarious state of the territory after hostilities.

The Trump plan asks Arab countries and international partners to field stabilisation units to train Palestinian security personnel and work alongside Jordan and Egypt. The proposal has prompted concern across the region, with critics warning it could morph into a prolonged military presence.

King Abdullah was explicit that Jordan will not deploy troops inside Gaza, pointing to deep political and social ties with the Palestinian people. With more than half of Jordan's citizens of Palestinian origin and the kingdom having hosted over 2.3 million refugees, he said, "Our proximity rules out military involvement," adding that Jordan will continue humanitarian and peace-building assistance instead.

The king recounted witnessing Gaza’s destruction during aid flights, calling the scenes intensely distressing. "Seeing the devastation from the aircraft was shocking and heartbreaking. It is hard to comprehend how the international community allows this to persist," he said.

Queen Rania, who is of Palestinian heritage, commended President Trump’s diplomatic push to secure a ceasefire while lamenting global inaction. She noted, "Parents have endured two years of watching their children suffer, starve and live in fear, while the world largely stands by."

The royal comments come as Gaza continues to face a severe humanitarian emergency despite the recent ceasefire. Officials report that more than 68,000 people have died since Israel’s offensive that followed Hamas’s deadly 7 October attack.

Both monarchs voiced guarded hope that durable peace remains attainable. "Choosing hope is difficult, but it is the only course that preserves our humanity," Queen Rania said.

The Trump-brokered ceasefire has led to the exchange and release of hostages and detainees on both sides, yet analysts warn that without regional leaders addressing root causes, any ceasefire risks remaining fragile.

#Global