Intensifying Middle Eastern Tensions: Increased Israeli Presence at Sheikh Hussein Border Crossing in Jordan
Non-Stop Travel Chaos: Thousands of Israeli Jews Stranded Overseas, Heading to Jordan
The normally quiet Sheikh Hussein crossing point, situated a mere two-hour drive north of Amman, Jordan, has been transformed into a bustling hub of activity. This unexpected hive of activity isn't driven by the usual Palestinian-Israeli traffic, but rather an influx of Israeli Jews. Weary of the delayed or sporadic repatriation flights scheduled by their homeland, they're turning to the Sheikh Hussein crossing as a lifeline.
Since the commencement of Israel's military offensive against Iran on June 13, a staggering estimated 100,000 people have been left high and dry, stranded in foreign lands, unable to secure flights to Tel Aviv's Ben-Gurion Airport.
As midday approaches on a sweltering Monday, June 23, a mixed group gathers around a bus, competing for space, making it difficult to board. Their only means of reaching the Beit Shean border crossing in northern Israel, just a stone's throw away across the Jordanian border.
Sweating profusely, Avigdor (who, like the others interviewed, wants to remain anonymous) is surrounded by his daughter, wife, brother, and sister-in-law. With a grim expression, he says, "We can't take it anymore. We've been trapped in airports for three days": He and his family have passed through Tbilisi, Georgia, Istanbul, Turkey, and finally Amman, Jordan.
Journeying overland through Jordan is now their last resort, as flights to Israel have been grounded due to the airspace closure resulting from Israel's military operations against Iran and Tehran's subsequent retaliatory strikes. With limited commercial flights and hours for border crossings, travelers are facing considerable delays, adding to their sense of desperation.
To avoid any unnecessary holdups, it's essential to obtain an e-visa before entering Jordan at the Sheikh Hussein Bridge crossing. Although visas-on-arrival are possible, the e-visa expedites the process. Travelers are also advised to bring cash, as credit card machines can be unreliable, and there have been reports of delays when carrying Jewish religious items.
In essence, the mass exodus of Israeli Jews across the Sheikh Hussein border and their current stranded status abroad are a direct consequence of the airspace closure, which has disrupted air travel schedules and left would-be returnees either detained or suffering extended delays at borders and detention centers. Once they cross into Jordan, they can join Jordanian domestic flights to their ultimate destinations.
- Amidst the general-news of travel chaos, the usually quiet Sheikh Hussein crossing point transforms into a hub of activity not typically associated with sports or politics, with thousands of Israeli Jews seeking a lifeline.
- As the political tension between Israel and Iran continues to escalate, causing flight disruptions due to airspace closures, many Israeli Jews are left stranded overseas, their travel plans complexly intertwined with politics and the difficulty of securing return flights.
