Jordan Negotiates with PFLP for Hostage Release
September 30th, 1970
September 30th, 1970
How Long Ago?
54 years, 5 months, 15 days ago
Location
Dawson's Field, Jordan
Category
Politics & Government
People
- King Hussein
- Georges Abdallah
- Wadie Haddad
Links & References
Tags
Jordan Negotiates with PFLP for Hostage Release
In September 1970, Jordan's King Hussein negotiated with the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) to secure the release of hostages taken during several airplane hijackings at Dawson's Field. The PFLP had commandeered multiple airliners, demanding the release of their comrades held by Israel. The negotiations involved political maneuvering as Jordan's government sought to avert further violence and restore stability in a region already shaken by conflict.
PFLP hijacked three airliners in September 1970.
Hostages were held at Dawson's Field in Jordan.
King Hussein negotiated for hostages' release.
Incident influenced future policies on terrorism.
What Happened?
During September 1970, a series of plane hijackings orchestrated by the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) culminated in a tense standoff at Dawson's Field in Jordan. The organization had seized control of three commercial airliners, diverting them to a remote site in Jordan, where they held over 300 hostages. The PFLP's demands included the release of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel and the international community's recognition of the plight of Palestinians. This act of high-stakes diplomacy unfolded against a backdrop of broader Arab-Israeli tensions and internal strife within Jordan, where King Hussein faced rising challenges from Palestinian factions within his own borders. In a move to regain control and diffuse the volatile situation, King Hussein initiated negotiations with the PFLP to secure the safe release of the hostages. Meeting with PFLP leaders, Hussein sought to balance the interests of global aviation security and the safety of his citizens while attempting to prevent any escalation of conflict in the region.
Why Does it Matter?
The negotiations between Jordan and the PFLP underscored the complexities of Middle Eastern politics during a volatile period of conflict, significantly impacting future interactions between militant organizations and state actors. Insights gained from the handling of the Dawson's Field incident influenced subsequent counter-terrorism policies and shaped international responses to hijackings and hostage situations.
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