Thousands of Jordanians gathered near the Israeli embassy in Amman for the fifth consecutive day, expressing their vehement opposition to Israel and demanding the termination of Jordan’s peace treaty with its western neighbor.
The protesters, brandishing Palestinian flags and chanting slogans such as “They said Hamas is terrorist. All of Jordan is Hamas,” conveyed their solidarity with Palestine.
Chants of “No Zionist embassy on Jordanian land” resonated among the demonstrators, who urged authorities to shutter the embassy in accordance with their demands.
Signs bearing the message “Amman-Gaza one destiny” underscored the protesters’ unity with the Palestinian cause, while images of Hamas’ military spokesman, Abu Obaida, adorned posters, symbolizing his revered status among many in the Arab world.
The Israeli embassy has historically been a focal point of tension during escalations between Palestinians and Israel, and heavy security measures were implemented to deter large gatherings.
Despite efforts to maintain order, the rally proceeded peacefully, contrasting with previous incidents where riot police clashed with protesters, deploying tear gas and batons to quell unrest.
While some demonstrators dispersed as instructed, a significant number remained defiant, occupying streets into the early hours of the following day. Jordanian authorities have intensified crackdowns on dissent, drawing criticism from international human rights organizations for stifling freedom of expression.
The recent surge in protests reflects widespread anger among Jordanians, particularly those of Palestinian descent, over Israel’s military operations in Gaza, which have resulted in numerous civilian casualties and widespread destruction.
Jordan has witnessed significant public outcry since the conflict escalated, triggered by Hamas incursions into southern Israel.
While acknowledging the right to peaceful protest, Jordanian authorities have warned against exploiting anti-Israel sentiment to incite disorder or approach border zones with Israeli-occupied territories.
The peace treaty with Israel remains deeply unpopular among many Jordanians, who perceive it as a betrayal of Palestinian rights.
