King Abdullah Warns Against Forcing Troops into Gaza
King Abdullah II of Jordan has cautioned that no international power would agree to enforce peace in Gaza under the proposed Trump-brokered ceasefire plan, saying that such a mission would drag countries into a volatile conflict.
Speaking to BBC Panorama, the Jordanian monarch questioned the practicality of sending foreign troops into the territory without a clear peacekeeping mandate.
“What is the mandate of security forces inside Gaza? We hope it is peacekeeping, because if it is peace enforcing, nobody will want to touch that,” he said. “Peacekeeping means helping local police and Palestinian authorities, which Jordan and Egypt are ready to train. But patrolling Gaza with weapons is not a situation any country wants.”
His remarks reflect widespread concerns among Arab and Western nations about being drawn into the ongoing fighting between Israel, Hamas, and other Palestinian groups.
Distinction Between Peacekeeping and Enforcement
The United Nations defines peace enforcement as the use of coercive military measures, while peacekeeping operations rely on the consent of conflicting parties and limit force to self-defence.
Under President Donald Trump’s 20-point peace initiative, Arab states and international partners are expected to deploy stabilisation forces that will “train and support Palestinian police” in Gaza, working alongside Jordan and Egypt.
However, Hamas has yet to disarm or relinquish political control. The group has instead regrouped and reasserted its presence in areas of Gaza, while Israel continues targeted air strikes against militant positions.
Jordan Rules Out Sending Troops
King Abdullah made it clear that Jordan will not send troops to Gaza, citing political and demographic sensitivities.
“We are too close politically to the situation,” he explained, noting that more than half of Jordan’s population is of Palestinian descent. Over the decades, Jordan has hosted around 2.3 million Palestinian refugees, the largest number in the region.
Asked whether he trusted Hamas to honor its commitment to give up political power, the King said he relied on the optimism of Qatar and Egypt, who have been mediating with the group.
“If we don’t find a real solution for both Palestinians and Israelis, and a vision for peace in the region, we are doomed,” he warned.
Jordan’s Humanitarian Role in Gaza
Jordan has been deeply involved in humanitarian operations since the war began. The country has participated in air-dropping aid supplies and evacuating wounded children from Gaza for medical treatment.
King Abdullah revealed that 253 injured and sick children have already been treated in Jordan, while over 15,000 Gazans—including 3,000 children—still await evacuation according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
Describing the devastation in Gaza after personally flying over the enclave, the King said: “Looking over the back ramp was shocking. The destruction was beyond comprehension. How the international community allows this to continue is mind-boggling.”
He said he had requested support from President Trump to evacuate 2,000 seriously ill children, a proposal Trump praised as a “beautiful gesture” during a White House meeting earlier this year.
Queen Rania Praises U.S. Pressure on Israel
In a separate BBC Panorama interview, Queen Rania of Jordan expressed frustration at what she described as the world’s inaction over Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.
“For two years, parents have watched their children suffer, starve, and live in terror while the world did nothing,” she said. “That nightmare has been the daily reality for Palestinian families.”
The Queen, who is of Palestinian heritage, commended President Trump for using diplomatic and political pressure to push Israel toward a ceasefire.
“To his credit, Trump was the first U.S. president in a long time to apply real pressure on Israel,” she said. “He convinced Prime Minister Netanyahu to agree to a ceasefire. I hope he continues to engage in this process.”
Mounting Toll of the Gaza Conflict
According to the Hamas-run health ministry, more than 68,000 Palestinians have been killed since Israel’s invasion began.
The offensive followed the October 7 Hamas attack, which left over 1,200 Israelis dead and more than 250 taken hostage. Israel has accused Hamas of using civilians as human shields and prolonging the war by refusing to release hostages.
Under the Trump ceasefire deal, 20 Israeli hostages were released, and Israel freed 250 Palestinian prisoners along with 1,700 detainees held without charge.
The International Criminal Court has since issued arrest warrants for Israeli leaders, including Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant, and for Hamas commander Mohammed Deif, who was later confirmed killed in an airstrike.
Queen Rania Calls Hope an Act of Defiance
Despite the grim outlook, Queen Rania said hope remains essential to achieving peace.
“I truly believe Palestinians and Israelis can live side by side,” she said. “Choosing hope is not easy—it’s heavy—but it’s the only path that doesn’t betray our humanity.”
She urged the international community to sustain momentum toward a political solution, warning that only collective efforts can end decades of bloodshed and suffering.
