King Abdullah II of Jordan delivered a speech at the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 22, 2026, emphasizing the need to address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He stressed that resolving the conflict requires dispelling several "illusions," including the notion that Gaza and the West Bank can be treated as separate issues. According to the King, these territories are part of a single strategy aimed at changing the ground reality and undermining the possibility of a viable Palestinian state.
The King highlighted that Palestinians are being killed on both fronts, while a new reality is being imposed through destruction in Gaza and de facto annexation of land in the West Bank. He argued that the ultimate goal is to make the establishment of a viable Palestinian state impossible. King Abdullah II also touched upon the issue of Israeli settlements, stating that the current government has accelerated settlement activities and land confiscation, which he believes is not a new phenomenon but rather a continuation of the gradual expansionist approach since the Oslo Accords.
King Abdullah II referenced the Arab Peace Initiative launched in 2002, which offered to normalize relations with Israel in exchange for peace and the establishment of a Palestinian state. He noted that this initiative remained on the table for over two decades but was not pursued due to a lack of willingness from the Israeli government to accept it. The King also expressed concern about the ongoing conflict in Gaza, stating that Israel has become less welcoming of international attention to its actions.
The Jordanian monarch rejected the characterization of the conflict as a war between religions, emphasizing that it is a struggle for the rights of Palestinians, both Muslims and Christians, to be treated equally. He warned that attempts to divert attention from the core issues are no longer effective, given the global interest in the conflict. King Abdullah II posed a question to the international community, inquiring whether it would take action to address the situation.
King Abdullah II emphasized that the international community possesses the tools to address the conflict, including sanctions, asset freezes, and diplomatic isolation. However, he noted that when it comes to Israel, UN decisions "remain mere words on paper." The King expressed concern that Israel's sense of impunity has reached "alarming levels," and its ambitions will not be limited to Palestine. He warned that Israel's expansionist aspirations pose a threat to regional stability.
The King cited Syria as an example of the consequences of inaction, highlighting the repeated incursions, territorial expansion, and imposition of new realities on the ground. He expressed concern about the fate of vital water resources and the potential for further escalation. King Abdullah II concluded his speech by stating that Israel is testing the limits of its actions, step by step, and that the international community's inaction may lead Israel to believe it can continue to push boundaries.
In his speech, King Abdullah II called for the international community to take responsibility and address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. He emphasized that the consequences of inaction will be severe, and the region will continue to suffer. The King's speech was seen as a strong message to the international community, urging them to take concrete actions to address the conflict and prevent further escalation.
Key points
- King Abdullah II warns of Israeli expansionism threatening regional stability.
- The Jordanian monarch emphasizes the need to address the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
- The King calls for the international community to take responsibility and address the conflict.
