Jordanian King Abdullah II's Diplomatic Efforts to Recover Martyr's Body
In a significant diplomatic move, former Jordanian Interior Minister Samir Habashneh revealed to Al Jazeera that King Abdullah II engaged with American authorities to exert pressure on Israel for the return of the body of Jordanian martyr Maher Al-Jazi. The efforts culminated in a successful recovery after eight days of Israeli detention. Al-Jazi, who was involved in the King Hussein Bridge operation that resulted in the deaths of three Israeli soldiers, was honored with a grand funeral attended by thousands in his hometown of Al-Hussainiya, Ma'an Governorate.
The funeral procession, which began at the Grand Al-Hussainiya Mosque, showcased the unity of the Jordanian people in support of the Palestinian cause. Mourners rejected Israeli conditions for the burial, which included prohibitions on public demonstrations and secrecy surrounding the burial site. This strong public sentiment highlights the deep-rooted ties between Jordanians and Palestinians, particularly in light of ongoing violence in Gaza.
Public Sentiment and Ongoing Tensions
Al-Jazi's actions were reportedly fueled by the distress caused by the ongoing Israeli aggression in Gaza, reflecting a broader sentiment of anger within Jordan. The Jordanian government has also condemned Israeli actions, holding them responsible for the unrest and expressing the necessity to address the underlying causes of such violence.
The situation remains tense, with two other Jordanian youths still detained by Israel in connection with the operation. The Jordanian authorities are actively working to secure their release, viewing these detentions as part of Israel's ongoing attempts to escalate tensions. The return of Al-Jazi's body, following intense public pressure in Jordan, is seen as a critical moment in maintaining Jordanian-Palestinian solidarity and rejecting the notion of an 'alternative homeland' for Palestinians proposed by some Israeli factions.
