https://arab.news/96xam
The King Hussein Bridge stands as a stark symbol of the struggles faced by Palestinians in their quest for freedom of movement and human dignity. As I observed during my recent visit to Palestine, the frustrations surrounding this crossing have escalated, revealing not only the logistical challenges but also the deeper implications of Israeli policies that exacerbate these issues.
In recent weeks, the situation at the King Hussein Bridge has reached a boiling point. As many Palestinians attempted to travel back to the West Bank from Jordan for work and school, they faced long queues, overcrowded conditions and a lack of transparency in respect of the order of who gets priority to cross. While some criticisms of Jordan’s management of the crossing are valid, it is crucial to understand that the root causes lie in the stringent Israeli controls that create artificial delays, huge bottlenecks and chaos.
Efforts by the Biden administration to pressure Israel into keeping the bridge open 24 hours a day were temporarily successful in April 2023 but have since been rolled back. Even with the recent ceasefire in Gaza and the start of the second phase of the peace plan, there appears to be no renewed commitment from the US to ensure that this vital crossing remains open around the clock for the 3 million Palestinians in the West Bank. The claims of the international community, including the US, to respect Palestinian rights and dignity ring hollow in light of the reality at this crossing.
Last week, overcrowding at the bridge forced Palestinian travelers to set up tents and sleep on the Jordanian side as they awaited their chance to cross into Palestine. The online registration system, developed with the help of a local bus company, does not guarantee timely passage, as the maximum number of travelers permitted each day is dictated by Israeli authorities. Moreover, the system’s lack of oversight has allowed for rampant abuse, further complicating the plight of those seeking to traverse the bridge.
The emergence of porters and middlemen, who exploit these bottlenecks for profit, paints a grim picture of the situation. Reports of bribes being exchanged for preferential treatment illustrate a system rife with corruption and inefficiency. Many travelers have shared experiences of being told they were next in line, only to see those who paid bribes bypass them. This lack of transparency breeds deep resentment among Palestinians who are simply trying to exercise their right to movement.
The root causes lie in the stringent Israeli controls that create artificial delays, huge bottlenecks and chaos.
Daoud Kuttab
Beyond the issue of corruption, the conditions at the crossing are deplorable. Travelers report inadequate restroom facilities, abuse of their luggage and inconsistent taxi fares, which only add to their frustrations.
For Jerusalem residents, the situation is even more challenging. Outdated Jordanian systems complicate their travel, often resulting in additional costs and delays due to a refusal to recognize their residency documents. The exorbitant costs associated with exit fees and Israeli permits mean that a Jerusalem family can sometimes have to pay a staggering $1,000 in fees and travel costs to cover the 70 km journey between Jerusalem and Amman.
It is imperative to recognize that the Israeli authorities bear significant responsibility for the hardships faced by Palestinian travelers at the King Hussein Bridge. Their policies create an environment ripe for exploitation, where the most vulnerable are subjected to the whims of those willing to pay for preferential treatment. These systemic barriers not only disrupt daily life but also violate fundamental rights to freedom of movement and dignity.
As Amjad Al-Shala, secretary of the Palestinian Bar Association, aptly noted, the suffering of Palestinians at the crossing constitutes a series of legal crimes and blatant violations of their rights. The unjustified overcrowding and congestion at the crossing contravene international law, which guarantees the right to travel without obstacles. The continued imposition of such barriers reflects poorly on Israel’s commitment to human rights and exposes the hypocrisy of international norms that are meant to protect these rights.
The King Hussein Bridge should be a conduit for connection and commerce, yet it has become synonymous with frustration, corruption and suffering. Both Jordan and the international community must demand a reevaluation of the policies governing movement at this crossing, ensuring that the rights and dignity of Palestinian citizens are upheld.
The voices of those enduring the arduous journey across the King Hussein Bridge must be amplified. Their stories of humiliation and indignity cannot be ignored. It is time for a concerted effort to address the root causes of the issues at this crossing, starting with a critical examination of Israeli policies that create unnecessary obstacles.
The situation at the King Hussein Bridge is a microcosm of the broader struggles faced by Palestinians under occupation. It serves as a reminder that the fight for dignity, justice and the right to move freely requires urgent attention. The international community, especially the US, must ensure that it upholds its claims of supporting dignity for Palestinians.
It is time to work toward a future where the King Hussein Bridge — and other crossing points — become symbols of connection and dignity, rather than barriers to freedom and a source of inhumanity and absence of simple dignity.
• Daoud Kuttab is an award-winning Palestinian journalist and former Ferris Professor of Journalism at Princeton University. He is the author of “State of Palestine Now: Practical and Logical Arguments for the Best Way to Bring Peace to the Middle East.” X: @daoudkuttab
