Queen Rania of Jordan Proposes Roadmap for Middle East Peace

Queen Rania Al Abdullah has been a prominent figure in Jordan since 1999 when she became the wife of King Abdullah II. Given Jordan’s geographical proximity to Israel, the queen has been closely monitoring the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Recently, she engaged in a conversation with ABC News’ Linsey Davis to discuss the current situation in Gaza, the suffering of its people, and the possibilities for achieving peace in the region.

During a speech to the U.N. General Assembly, President Biden highlighted the importance of a cease-fire and a deal to secure the release of hostages. He stated, “I put forward with Qatar and Egypt a cease-fire and hostage deal.” Furthermore, he emphasized the need for a two-state solution, which would provide security for Israel and dignity for the Palestinians.

Following Biden’s remarks, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is slated to address the U.N. General Assembly on Friday. Earlier this year, he urged American leaders to strengthen their bipartisan support for Israel in its conflict with Hamas in Gaza. Netanyahu described the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, as “a day that will forever live in infamy,” drawing parallels to historical attacks such as Pearl Harbor and 9/11.

The prime minister appealed to America for expedited support, asserting Israel’s commitment to dismantling Hamas’ military capacity and securing the return of hostages. His unwavering stance reflects a relentless approach to the conflict.

Queen Rania expressed deep concern over the escalating violence in Gaza, where the humanitarian situation has become dire. “This war has been unprecedented in its scale and brutality.” She underscored the staggering statistics: Gaza has experienced more explosives than cities like Dresden, Hamburg, and London combined during World War II. Tragically, approximately 70% of casualties in Gaza are women and children.

The queen remarked on the overwhelming extent of destruction, highlighting that many schools, hospitals, and civilian infrastructures have been devastated. She characterized the conflict as an “indiscriminate killing spree” and emphasized the need for a global acknowledgment of the civilian toll.

Queen Rania underscored that the world often validates Israeli suffering while normalizing Palestinian pain. “It sometimes seems that Israel is the exception to every rule that governs our world, and Palestinians are the exception to universal human rights.” She attributed the ongoing violence to a lack of accountability and consequences for Israel’s actions stemming from the prolonged occupation.

In her assessment, Rania noted that as Israel escalates its military actions, violence in the West Bank has also surged. She called for the international community to address the root causes of the conflict and to hold all parties accountable to international law.

As tensions rise in neighboring Lebanon, the queen highlighted the potential for regional escalation, referring to the recent spike in violence and casualties. She expressed concern over Israel’s seemingly aggressive posture, which she believes is driven by political motivations rather than a desire for stability.

During the discussion, Rania articulated the need for the U.S. to use its leverage over Israel to promote accountability and peace. “Expressions of concern or even calls for a cease-fire are meaningless when you continue to provide arms that kill civilians.” She asserted that more weapons and military support would only exacerbate violence.

Addressing the ongoing turmoil, the queen reiterated that a comprehensive peace deal is vital. She pointed out that without addressing the underlying injustice of occupation, the cycle of resistance will persist regardless of military actions.

Rania remarked on the disproportionate toll the conflict has taken on civilians, particularly children, while also challenging the argument that Hamas militants use civilians as human shields. The high civilian death toll, which primarily consists of women and children, complicates any justification for the ongoing violence.

Ultimately, Queen Rania advocates for immediate measures, starting with a cease-fire. “We need to stop the fighting immediately.” She acknowledged the urgent need for the international community to re-engage in meaningful solutions that uphold human rights and international law.

Queen Rania concluded by outlining essential principles for peace, emphasizing the universality of human rights, the importance of accountability, and the rejection of extremist narratives that perpetuate violence. She called for a collective international commitment to ensure that justice prevails over power dynamics.

In the face of escalating violence and humanitarian crises, Queen Rania’s voice signifies the urgent need for peace and lasting resolution in the region. Her insights reflect a deep understanding of the complexities involved and the necessity of aligning global efforts towards a just and equitable future.

Source: ABC News