King Abdullah I of Jordan was assassinated primarily due to his perceived refusal to agree to the internationalization of Jerusalem's holy sites. This stance was reportedly viewed as going against the wishes of prominent religious figures, including His Holiness the Pope, and the broader Christian and Islamic worlds.
The Core Motive: Jerusalem's Holy Sites
The assassination of King Abdullah I on July 20, 1951, at the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem, stemmed from deep-seated political and religious tensions surrounding the status of Jerusalem. At the heart of the matter was King Abdullah's position on the future of the holy city.
It was widely understood that the primary motive for the assassination, attributed to individuals such as Monsignor Eugene and Father 'Ayyad', was the King's firm opposition to the proposed internationalization of Jerusalem's sacred sites. At the time, there were significant international pressures and discussions regarding the administration and oversight of these revered places, particularly following the 1948 Arab-Israeli War.
Key Factors and Beliefs:
- Refusal of Internationalization: King Abdullah's government maintained control over East Jerusalem, including the Old City and its holy sites, after the 1948 war. His refusal to cede international control or administration over these areas was a significant point of contention.
- Religious Disagreement: This position was reportedly seen as directly conflicting with the desires of various religious authorities, including the Vatican and other Christian and Islamic factions globally, who advocated for an international status for Jerusalem to ensure access and protection for all faiths.
- Political Context: The assassination occurred amidst a turbulent period in the region, marked by the recent creation of Israel, the Palestinian refugee crisis, and competing claims over territory and sovereignty. King Abdullah's policy of annexing the West Bank (including East Jerusalem) to Jordan, and his perceived willingness to negotiate with Israel, generated significant opposition from Palestinian nationalists and Arab hardliners.
The Assassination Event
King Abdullah I was visiting the Al-Aqsa Mosque for Friday prayers when he was shot by Mustafa Shukri Ashu, a tailor from Jerusalem. While Ashu was the triggerman, the assassination was quickly understood to be part of a broader conspiracy fueled by the political and religious grievances mentioned above. His grandson, Hussein (later King Hussein), was with him and narrowly escaped the attack.
Summary of the Event
| Detail | Description |
|---|---|
| Date | July 20, 1951 |
| Location | Al-Aqsa Mosque, Jerusalem |
| Victim | King Abdullah I of Jordan |
| Primary Motive | King's refusal to internationalize Jerusalem's holy sites, going against the wishes of various religious authorities and international bodies. |
| Individuals Attributed with Motive | Monsignor Eugene and Father 'Ayyad' |
| Assailant | Mustafa Shukri Ashu |
| Consequences | Led to a crackdown on political dissent and reshaped the political landscape of Jordan and the region. |
The assassination of King Abdullah I underscores the profound complexities and sensitivities surrounding the status of Jerusalem, a city revered by billions worldwide and a perpetual flashpoint in Middle Eastern politics.
