In September 1970, a group linked to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) executed a series of dramatic airline hijackings, taking control of four planes. Three of these aircraft were diverted to Dawson's Field, a remote area in Jordan, where the hijackers created a makeshift base. The demands of the hijackers were rooted in the larger Arab-Israeli conflict, as they sought to advance Palestinian political goals and gain attention for their cause. On September 11, in a significant development, the hijackers decided to release 88 hostages, primarily those who were not Jewish or Israeli, while they continued to hold those that were, including a number of passengers with direct connections to Israel.

The hostage negotiation process was complicated by various political factors, including the Jordanian government’s response and the international community's reactions. Jordan, under King Hussein, was facing its own internal challenges, and this crisis further strained relations between the government and Palestinian factions. While the immediate crisis saw the release of many hostages, the fate of the remaining captives—who were held until September 25—represented an ongoing humanitarian and political issue that drew international attention and criticism of both the hijackers and the Jordanian authorities.

The incident at Dawson's Field became emblematic of the broader struggles occurring in the Middle East at the time, as well as the global implications of terrorism and high-stakes hostage-taking. It highlighted the complexities of resolving conflicts in the region and demonstrated how such events could escalate into larger geopolitical crises.