'No substitute for political solution to Palestinian-Israeli conflict'

AMMAN — Jordan rejects any proposals relating to the notion of an alternative homeland; irrespective of any justifications and motivations, Minister of State for Media Affairs and Government Spokesperson Jumana Ghunaimat said on Sunday.

The minister said that Jordan’s unwavering position in this issue is based on His Majesty King Abdullah's positions expressed in international arenas, underscoring that King Abdullah has said no to an alternative homeland, no to resettlement [for Palestinians in Jordan] and that Jerusalem is a red line.

The solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict is to refer to the UN and international legitimacy resolutions, she said during a meeting with media outlets, stressing that there is no alternative to the right of Palestinian refugees to return to their homeland and receive compensation, which is in line with international resolutions.

The minister made her remarks a few days after US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner indicated that his Middle East peace plan will seek to better integrate Palestinian refugees inside Arab countries rather than endorsing or advancing Palestinian demands, rejected by Israel, such as the “right of return”.

During the meeting, the minister also touched on ongoing Jordanian-Palestinian coordination on all issues.

Ghunaimat underlined Jordan’s unwavering position on the Palestinian issue, stressing that any economic solution would never replace a political solution and any plans not complying with Jordanian stances will be refuted as well.