A delegation from PSCC discusses the Karameh border crossing crisis with the Jordanian ambassador

Palestinian Private Sector Urges Action on Al-Karama Crossing Crisis in Meeting with Jordanian Ambassador

RAMALLAH – Members of the Palestinian Private Sector Coordinating Council met with the Jordanian Ambassador to the State of Palestine, H.E. Issam Al-Budour, to discuss the escalating crisis at the Al-Karama (King Hussein) Crossing. The meeting focused on the severe Israeli restrictions currently stifling passenger movement and bilateral trade between Palestine and Jordan.

The session, attended by Council Secretary Mr. Nassar Nassar and several council members, follows a prior consultative meeting with the Palestinian Minister of National Economy, Mr. Mohammad Al-Amour, as part of an urgent effort to address the daily hardships faced by Palestinian citizens.

Humanitarian Toll: “The Sole Lifeblood”

The Council delegation highlighted the suffocating daily congestion at the crossing. Under current Israeli mandates, the crossing is forced to close as early as 1:30 PM daily and remains completely shut on Saturdays. Furthermore, a strict cap of only 4,000 passengers per day—including pilgrims, patients, and students—has been imposed.

These measures have resulted in:

• Exhausting wait times lasting several hours.

• Significantly increased travel costs for citizens.

• Severe disruption for the three million residents of the West Bank and Jerusalem, for whom the crossing serves as the only gateway to the world.

Economic Impact and Supply Chain Risks

On the commercial front, Mr. Nassar Nassar emphasized that frequent closures have severely impacted trade volume, which surpassed $430 million in 2024. The Council warned that these restrictions threaten the stability of supply chains and undermine the ability of traders and manufacturers to meet their obligations.

The delegation noted that constraints on truck and cargo movement have led to:

• Rising prices in West Bank markets.

• Increased production costs for industries relying on raw materials imported from or through Jordan.

• Weakened purchasing power for citizens already grappling with a stifling financial crisis.

Key Demands for Stability

During the meeting, the Coordinating Council formally requested:

1. 24/7 Operations: Reopening the crossing around the clock to alleviate daily suffering.

2. Practical Transit Mechanisms: Implementing streamlined procedures to reduce pressure on the bridge.

3. Consistent Commercial Access: Ensuring regular operation of commercial lanes to sustain the economy and support the private sector.

The Council stressed the deep-rooted unity between the Palestinian and Jordanian people, noting that the continuation of this crisis harms the shared economic and social interests of both nations.

Jordanian Support and Strategic Cooperation

Ambassador Issam Al-Budour welcomed the delegation, reaffirming Jordan’s commitment to monitoring the issue with relevant authorities. He pledged to convey the concerns of the private sector and citizens to his government, emphasizing Jordan’s dedication to supporting Palestinian resilience and facilitating the movement of people and goods.

This diplomatic push coincides with the Palestinian Authority’s recent signing of over 14 economic agreements with the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. These agreements, aimed at bolstering trade and investment, rely heavily on the Al-Karama Crossing remaining a functional and vital artery for the two economies.