Wasfi al-Tal was the Prime Minister of Jordan who had been in office during a tumultuous time in the country's history, particularly regarding the relationship between the Jordanian government and the Palestinian factions operating within its territory. The backdrop to his assassination is marked by heightened tensions between Ariel Sharon's Israeli forces and Palestinian armed groups, alongside the aftermath of the devastating conflict known as Black September in 1970. This conflict had seen the Jordanian military's brutal response to Palestinian insurgents, resulting in significant loss of life and displacement.

On November 28, 1971, in Cairo, Egypt, Wasfi al-Tal was targeted by operatives of the Black September organization, a Palestinian militant group that had formed in the wake of the events of Black September. This assassination was meant to send a message both to Jordan and beyond that the Palestinian resistance was willing to take drastic measures against leaders perceived to be oppressing their cause. The attack was characterized by a tactical execution involving a well-planned ambush, showcasing the capabilities of the militant group.

Following his assassination, Jordan experienced further instability as the government demonstrated a resolve to combat dissent among Palestinian groups. This event not only deepened the divides within Jordanian society but also impacted the political landscape and attitudes towards Palestinians across the region. Leaders in Arab nations and various factions within the PLO responded to the assassination with mixed sentiments, leading to discussions on the future of Palestinian resistance and relations with Jordanian authorities.