The ties between Jordan and Palestine stretch deep in shared
history, culture, and ongoing crises. Since October 7, 2023, Gaza has endured
horrifying levels of violence, with over 60,000 Palestinians killed and more
than 144,000 injured due to Israeli airstrikes, ground operations, and
blockades, according to Al Jazeera’s tracking. Meanwhile, over
1,100 Israelis have died from attacks by Hamas and other factions.
The West Bank and East Jerusalem haven’t been spared either;
between October 2023 and October 2024, 719
Palestinians and 22 Israelis were killed amid escalating violence.
These figures capture staggering human cost, but they only
begin to explain the regional ripple effect, particularly on Jordan.
1. Casualties & Conflict Data
In Gaza alone, the conflict has left tens of thousands dead
or injured within months of renewed hostilities. The toll, over 60,000 killed
and 144,000 wounded, highlights a humanitarian breakdown.
Jordan isn’t directly a battlefield, but it cannot remain
untouched. News of shelling, bombardment, and human suffering reach Jordanian
households daily, in turn shaping public sentiment, political debate, and
security considerations.
2. Journalists Caught in Crossfire
This is the deadliest conflict for journalists of the 21st
century. As of mid-2025, between 186
and 238 media workers, mostly Palestinian, have lost their lives covering
the war.
Prominent names like Anas al-Sharif, killed in August 2025
near al-Shifa Hospital, have become symbols of suppressed truth. Al Jazeera
condemned his death as a "targeted assassination," and the EU
demanded Israel provide credible evidence for its claims
These attacks have sparked global protests calling attention
to journalistic rights, state
accountability, and the wider consequences of silencing watchers in
conflict.
For Jordan, a neighbor with a vibrant press and academic
community, these attacks feel personal—raising alarm about press safety and
potential spillover of instability.
3. Humanitarian Crisis & Displacement
Gaza now endures famine-like conditions. Over 2 million people face deep shortages in water, food, and medical care. Many are internally displaced, living in makeshift shelters amid ruin.
Jordan hosts nearly 2 million Palestinian refugees across multiple
generations. While most are well-integrated, mounting humanitarian needs, hopes
for safe passage, and media coverage fuel both empathy and anxiety among
Jordanians.
Jordan’s hospitals, schools, and social services feel
pressure from regional instability. Relief budgets stretch thin as Jordan
continues to provide aid, host refugees, and balance shifting security
dynamics.
4. Regional Tensions & Jordan’s Role
Jordan shares both historical and physical borders with
Israel and the West Bank. Its memory of past wars, combined with its
custodianship of Jerusalem’s holy sites, gives it a unique diplomatic voice.
The country consistently calls for adherence to
international law and humanitarian normsinternational
law and humanitarian norms.
Rise in violence in Gaza, West Bank, or Lebanon
(where 3,400 deaths and 14,600 injuries occurred amid Hezbollah-Israel
cross-border clashes deepens Jordan’s security concerns.
Amid this turbulence, Jordan remains an active mediator. It
hosts negotiations, advocates for ceasefires, and leverages its relationships
with Gulf and Western powers to preserve regional stability.
5. Economic Toll on Palestine and Jordan
According to the World
Bank Impact Analysis, Palestinian livelihoods have been severely disrupted.
Infrastructure damage, restricted mobility, and blockade measures have crippled
markets, construction, tourism, and daily commerce.
Jordan’s economy also feels the squeeze through indirect
channels. Trade routes are interrupted. Security demands grow. Refugee-related
spending on health, housing, and education rises. All while global attention
and investment shift away.
6. How the Death Toll Evolved
Since hostilities began on October 7, 2023, Gaza’s death
toll has steadily escalated, surpassing 60,000 by March 2025. Israeli casualty
figures, primarily from Hamas attacks, stand over 1,100.
The West Bank and East Jerusalem added hundreds
more to the toll. Lebanon’s campaign-related violence also added thousands.
The picture remains one of unabated loss.
7. Journalists Killed: A Conflict Without Witnesses
With 186
to 242 journalists killed, this has become the deadliest conflict for media
since the 21st century began.
Each death signifies not just a human loss, but also lost
documentation, reports that will now never be told. The world’s collateral
damage includes truth itself.
8. International Legal Measures
International bodies have moved forward with legal actions.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is currently considering a genocide
case filed by South
Africa against Israel over Gaza.
Meanwhile, the International
Crime Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Israeli leaders, including
Prime Minister Netanyahu and defense minister Yoav Gallant, for alleged crimes
against humanity.
Human rights advocates point to a widening erosion of legal
norms. Israel’s continued military action in Rafah
was rebuked by the ICJ, warning that it violates safeguards meant to
prevent civilian destruction.
Amid this, Israel
has resisted foreign investigative access and has been accused of ignoring
ICJ orders to take immediate humanitarian actions, a violation of its
international obligations.
Legal
experts warn that such defiance undermines the rules-based international
order.
9. Why Jordan Must Act
Jordan’s political landscape is shaped by its shared
identity with Palestine. The kingdom must:
- Offer
humanitarian assistance and refuge while maintaining economic stability.
- Lead
diplomatic initiatives, hosting dialogues and reinforcing international
norms.
- Advocate
for accountability under international law, standing beside legal actions.
- Encourage
open journalism and truth-telling amidst attempts to silence witnesses.
Final Thoughts
Conflict is rarely contained within borders. The Israel–Palestine crisis continues to inflict deep physical, emotional, and economic damage on Palestinians, and an indirect, but significant impact on neighboring Jordan.
Jordan’s leadership, humanitarian compassion, and strategic
diplomacy remain critical. Yet meaningful progress also depends on
international accountability and legal restoration. Only then can the promise
of peace and dignity endure.