How do Jordan's Islamist movements view their relationship with Hamas
Introduction
Jordan’s Islamist movements, particularly the Muslim Brotherhood and its political wing, the Islamic Action Front (IAF), have a complex and evolving relationship with Hamas:
Ideological Alignment
The Jordanian Muslim Brotherhood and Hamas share ideological roots, with Hamas originally emerging as an offshoot of the Palestinian Muslim Brotherhood.
Many Jordanian Islamists view Hamas as a legitimate resistance movement against Israeli occupation.
Political Support
The IAF has openly expressed support for Hamas, especially during times of conflict with Israel.
During recent protests, IAF supporters have chanted slogans like “we are all Hamas” and “Yahya Sinwar is our leader”.
The IAF’s electoral success in 2024 was partly attributed to its vocal support for Hamas during the Gaza conflict.
Organizational Ties
While Hamas is now organizationally independent, it maintains connections with the Jordanian Muslim Brotherhood.
Hamas has sought to leverage Jordan’s large Palestinian population and the Brotherhood’s resources for support.
Tensions with the Jordanian Government
The Jordanian government has accused Hamas of inciting protests and attempting to destabilize the country.
Some Islamist voices in Jordan have called for a reconsideration of the state’s relationship with Hamas, arguing for rapprochement to protect Jordan’s national security.
Balancing Act
Jordanian Islamists often try to balance their support for Hamas with their role as “loyal opposition” within Jordan’s political system.
The IAF describes itself as working within the system rather than calling for regime change.
Impact on Domestic Politics
Support for Hamas has boosted the popularity of Islamist movements in Jordan, as seen in the 2024 elections where the IAF secured a significant number of parliamentary seats.
However, the Jordanian government has taken steps to limit overt displays of support for Hamas, such as prohibiting the use of Hamas-style symbols in election campaigns.
Conclusion
This relationship remains dynamic, with Jordanian Islamists attempting to navigate between supporting Hamas and maintaining their position within Jordan’s political landscape.
