Hasan Dajah

The recent popular marches in Amman represent a profound expression of national collective consciousness and a vivid embodiment of the unified Jordanian stance on the Palestinian cause, particularly concerning the city of Jerusalem and its Islamic and Christian holy sites. Following Friday prayers, crowds from across the political and social spectrum, including political parties and unions, gathered in front of the Al-Husseini Mosque in a unifying national scene reflecting a high level of cohesion between the people and their leadership. Participation was not merely symbolic; it was a demonstration of a unified political and popular position rejecting any infringement upon the holy sites or Palestinian rights. These marches also affirmed that defending Jerusalem is not simply a circumstantial stance, but a firm and deeply rooted commitment in the Jordanian conscience, reflecting the state's fundamental principles and strengthening its political and diplomatic position at both the regional and international levels.

These marches come within the context of clear and unwavering support for the positions of His Majesty King Abdullah, who has dedicated his political and diplomatic efforts to defending the holy sites and preserving the historical and legal status quo in the Holy City. Participants expressed their deep pride in the King's role, affirming that Jordan, under its Hashemite leadership, represents the first line of defense for Al-Aqsa Mosque, and that the Hashemite custodianship is not merely a political title, but a historical commitment deeply rooted in religious and political legitimacy. They also emphasised that this role enhances Jordan's regional and international standing, granting it significant influence in protecting the holy sites and supporting the steadfastness of the Palestinian people in the face of current challenges.

The popular support for the Hashemite leadership at this critical juncture carries strategic implications that transcend the domestic sphere, reflecting a regional and international message that Jordan stands united against any attempts to alter the identity of Jerusalem or impose a new reality there. The slogans raised, such as "Jerusalem is a red line," were not mere passing remarks, but rather a clear expression of profound political awareness and national consensus on the fundamental principles of the Jordanian state. These slogans also reflect a firm rejection of any compromise on Palestinian rights and a commitment to Jordan's historical role in protecting Islamic and Christian holy sites. This unity underscores the cohesion of the Jordanian home front and its ability to support political decisions, thus strengthening Jordan's position in regional and international forums.

Furthermore, these marches confirm that the Jordanian position is not detached from the pulse of the street, but rather nourished and supported by it. This reinforces the strength of the political and diplomatic efforts led by Jordan on the international stage. When popular will is aligned with political decision-making, the message becomes more impactful and clear, especially in light of the growing challenges facing the Palestinian cause and attempts to impose new realities on the ground in Jerusalem. This dynamic interaction between the state and society reflects an advanced level of political awareness, where Jordanian citizens understand the importance of their role in supporting and consolidating national principles. This harmony also grants Jordanian decision-makers additional strength in international forums, as they speak on behalf of a unified position based on broad popular legitimacy. In this context, the marches become a tool of moral and political pressure, reinforcing Jordan's position as a pivotal state defending Arab rights and steadfastly confronting attempts to undermine the historical and religious identity of the Holy City.

The Hashemite custodianship stands out as one of the most important pillars of this stance, viewed by Jordanians as a historical responsibility and a religious trust that cannot be relinquished. Participants emphasized that this custodianship serves as a safeguard for protecting the holy sites from repeated violations, and that Jordan will remain committed to defending them by all possible political and diplomatic means. In this regard, the King's efforts to reopen Al-Aqsa Mosque to worshippers after a period of closure reflect the effectiveness of this role and its ability to achieve tangible results.

From a broader perspective, these marches reflect a high level of political awareness within Jordanian society, which understands the dimensions of the conflict over Jerusalem, not only as a religious issue, but also as a matter of sovereignty, identity, and historical rights. These massive demonstrations also reflect a deep understanding of the importance of maintaining internal stability and strengthening the national front in the face of regional challenges, as evidenced by the unified discourse that unites the various segments of society.

These popular movements cannot be separated from the broader regional context, as the region is witnessing rapid transformations and escalating challenges that demand clear and decisive stances. Within this framework, Jordan's role stands out as a stabilising force, grounded in historical legitimacy and accumulated political credibility. This role reinforces Jordan's position as an active and influential player in defending Arab and Islamic rights, particularly concerning Jerusalem and its holy sites, and underscores its diplomatic presence as a voice of reason seeking de-escalation and safeguarding fundamental principles.

Ultimately, the popular marches in Amman represent a living example of national unity and embody the deep bond between the people and their leadership. They are not merely expressions of protest, but rather a strategic message affirming that Jordan, both its leadership and its people, is committed to defending Jerusalem and its holy sites, and that the Hashemite custodianship will remain a red line that cannot be crossed or compromised under any circumstances. In light of this national cohesion, Jordan continues to play its historical role with steadfastness and confidence, relying on a solid popular will and a wise leadership vision that understands the nature and complexities of the challenges and has the ability to deal with them with political acumen and high responsibility.

Hasan Al-Dajah — Professor of strategic studies at Al-Hussein Bin Talal University