Follow-up visit to Amman, Jerusalem, and Ramallah, December 2023

Ten days ago, Oliver McTernan and Jordan Morgan, returned to Jerusalem, where they held productive bilateral meetings with cross-party Knesset Members from Yesh Atid, Hadash, and Likud. Discussions were centered on evaluating diverse perspectives within the Israeli political landscape. A significant portion of the visit was dedicated to Ramallah, where meetings were held with leaders from the Palestinian Authority (PA), the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), the Ministry of Detainees and Ex-Detainees, and independent voices from across the West Bank. Conversations delved into critical issues such as unity within the PLO and the importance of allowing Palestinians to determine their own future, including discussions on national elections.

Additionally, they engaged with senior officials from the US Office of Palestinian Affairs and academics from the Palestinian Academic Society for the Study of International Affairs (PASSIA). Their visit included meetings with the Foreign Ministry in Amman, where they engaged with senior officials and members of the Royal Hashemite Court. These discussions aimed to further enhance collaboration, understanding and progress in light of a devastating loss of human life. Over the past month, a total of 38 bilateral meetings have taken place with officials from Israel, Palestine, and Jordan.

We have been in constant touch with our network in Gaza and are deeply alarmed by the unfolding humanitarian catastrophe. We have been advocating in numerous media outlets the need for an urgent ceasefire. 

Oliver and Jordan with Dr Mahdi Abdul Hadi, Director of PASSIA, and Dr Deniz Altayli, Programme Director at PASSIA.