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Jordan expels 100 Palestinians from an informal refugee camp, initiating the area for a construction project, allegedly through forced eviction.

Palestinian refugees forcibly removed from camp for construction project, confirms Human Rights Watch

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Jordanian authorities allegedly forcefully displaced approximately one hundred Palestinians from an...
Jordanian authorities allegedly forcefully displaced approximately one hundred Palestinians from an unsanctioned refugee camp to facilitate a construction endeavor, as per Human Rights Watch (HRW) reports...

Jordan expels 100 Palestinians from an informal refugee camp, initiating the area for a construction project, allegedly through forced eviction.

Title: Jordan's Controversial Eviction of Al-Mahatta Camp Palestinians

In the heart of Amman, Jordan, this unofficial refugee camp, known as Al-Mahatta, has been shrouded in controversy lately. Jonah's authorities supposedly rode roughshod over around 100 Palestinians dwellers, razing about 25 homes and establishments within this camp last year, November and December to be exact. This wave of displacement has left around 8,000 Palestinians, who once found refuge here after being displaced during the 1948 Nakba, questioning their future.

This action was part of a larger urban development project by Amman's authorities, as expressed in their 4-year "Strategic Plan" for the city up until 2026. Aiming to increase green spaces, improve the traffic system, and reduce population density within unrecognized neighborhoods and settlements, the municipality argues that the land beneath the camp is considered state property. Although they offer assistance in the form of a "donation", Amman Mayor Yousef Al-Shawarbeh asserts that the displaced residents are not entitled to actual compensation because they were encroaching on state property.

The Human Rights Watch (HRW) and other news outlets have been vehemently critical of this situation. They argue that the evictions were carried out hastily without sufficient notice, meaningful consultation, or fair compensation. Affected residents reportedly received only two weeks to one month’s notice, often with unclear or verbal promises of compensation and no legal or technical assistance. HRW contends that these evictions transgress international legal standards, particularly those concerning the right to housing, education, and an adequate standard of living.

Adam Coogle, HRW’s deputy Middle East director, voiced this concern:

Hoping to uphold these fundamental rights, concerned voices will undoubtedly continue to scrutinize this situation to ensure a fair resolution is reached.

Related: New Waves of Displacement: Jordan's Palestinians Brace for Another 'Nakba'

[1] HRW Report: "Jordan: Palestinians at Risk as Amman Authorities Force Evictions in Al-Mahatta Camp" dated February 16th, 2023.[2] Greater Amman Municipality's "Strategic Plan 2026" available on their official website.[4] Camp Silwood: "The Unseen Struggles of Al-Mahatta Palestinians Facing Eviction"

  1. The Human Rights Watch (HRW) published a report titled "Jordan: Palestinians at Risk as Amman Authorities Force Evictions in Al-Mahatta Camp" on February 16th, 2023.
  2. The Greater Amman Municipality's strategic plan up until 2026, as explained in their official website, is the underlying policy and legislation for the urban development project involving the eviction of Al-Mahatta camp residents.
  3. The Amman authorities' eviction of around 100 Palestinians from the Al-Mahatta camp and the demolition of approximately 25 homes and establishments last year, primarily in November and December, is a source of intense debate and controversy within the Middle East and general news outlets.
  4. The Palestinian refugees forcibly displaced from Al-Mahatta camp are also bracing for another 'Nakba', as reported by other news sources.
  5. The displacement of at least 8,000 Palestinians from Al-Mahatta camp leaves them uncertain about their future, having been initially displaced during the 1948 Nakba.
  6. The United Nations and other international bodies have not issued an official statement regarding the eviction of Palestinians from Al-Mahatta camp, but it is likely that the situation will be raised during discussions on human rights, displacement, and refugee issues in the Middle East.
  7. Adam Coogle, HRW’s deputy Middle East director, has called on Jordanian authorities to prioritize the rights of the affected residents, especially their right to adequate housing and other fundamental rights, in light of the evictions in Al-Mahatta camp.
  8. In response to the evictions, Camp Silwood published an article titled "The Unseen Struggles of Al-Mahatta Palestinians Facing Eviction."
  9. The Amman Mayor, Yousef Al-Shawarbeh, maintains that the evicted residents were not entitled to compensation as they were encroaching on state property, despite the offer of a "donation" by the municipality.

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