Amman:Prince El Hassan bin Talal has stated that achieving a just peace in the region is hampered by the lack of an Israeli government willing to accept such an outcome. He highlighted that the core issue lies in managing the conflict rather than resolving it, reiterating that the West Bank and Gaza Strip should be recognized as occupied territories, not disputed ones.
According to Jordan News Agency, Prince El Hassan shared these views during an interview with journalist Yalda Hakim on Britain's Sky News channel. He pointed out that Jordan has been advocating for a peace based on justice for over three decades, indicating that the main barrier has been the absence of an Israeli government ready to embrace this vision.
He criticized the Israeli government's tactic of diverting criticism by undermining the credibility of its critics instead of altering its policies. Despite maintained diplomatic ties between Jordan and Israel, Prince Hassan noted a lack of meaningful communication and idea exchange, with most interactions occurring through intermediaries.
The Prince emphasized the unresolved status of Jerusalem and repeated that the West Bank and Gaza Strip are occupied territories with clear sovereign rights. He also mentioned that European and Western countries are adopting clearer stances on Israeli settlements, especially amid Gaza's widespread destruction.
Prince El Hassan referenced the United Nations General Assembly Resolution 3236 of 1974, affirming the Palestinian people's rights to self-determination, national independence, sovereignty, and return. He refuted Israeli claims that Jordan deprived Palestinians of their rights, asserting the Kingdom's commitment to not treating individuals as second-class citizens.
Discussing regional developments, he noted Jordan's ongoing challenges due to its geographical position and underscored the importance of dialogue for stability. He mentioned recent security concerns, such as missiles and drones entering Jordan amid tensions involving Iran, the US, and Israel, stressing the violation of state sovereignty.
Prince El Hassan called for a human-centered approach to regional challenges, emphasizing the Levant's vast population and opposing the reduction of people to mere statistics or resource considerations. He concluded by stating Jordan's desire not to be a battleground for external conflicts, advocating for respect for state sovereignty and addressing conflict root causes.