On September 8, 2024, Maher Diab Hussein Al-Jazi, a retired Jordanian soldier, executed a suicide operation at the King Hussein Bridge, a critical point separating Jordan from the occupied Palestinian territories. This tragic event unfolded amidst ongoing Israeli aggression on Gaza, which began in October 2023 and has resulted in substantial loss of life and destruction in the region. Maher Al-Jazi, born in 1985 in the Ma'an Governorate, was deeply affected by the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which may have motivated his actions.
The operation commenced when Maher, driving a truck, approached the Israeli border security inspection area at the King Hussein Bridge. Armed with a JTP9C pistol, he opened fire, killing three Israeli border security personnel before being shot dead. This incident prompted immediate reactions, with Israel closing the crossing and conducting extensive searches, while Jordan initiated an investigation, concluding that Maher's actions were not linked to any organized group.
Family members, including his brother Shadi, expressed shock at Maher's actions, stating they were unaware of his intentions. Shadi highlighted that Maher's sorrow over the situation in Gaza likely influenced his decision to act. The clan's sheikh, Sultan Faisal Al-Jazi, labeled Maher a 'martyr of the nation,' emphasizing his commitment to the Palestinian cause. This incident underscores the ongoing tensions and the impact of the conflict on individuals and families in the region.
