Amman, June 21 (Petra) – Interior Minister Mazen Faraya on Sunday inspected the King Hussein Bridge (KHB) to review operational procedures and assess level of services provided to travelers.

During his visit, Faraya met with bridge officials and the CEO of the JETT passenger transport company to discuss operational issues and observations.

Faraya stated a tender for infrastructure development is currently underway, adding that traveler waiting areas were constructed and equipped with essential services.

Work is ongoing to further develop these facilities within available resources, and additional infrastructure projects will commence in the coming days, he pointed out.

On its goals, he noted the development project aims to build new facilities and cargo areas, a comprehensive public transport station, and the ongoing rehabilitation of passport control venues.

Faraya said the bridge's "unique nature", as it connects Jordan with the Palestinian territories.

"The Israeli side controls the crossing, turning it to a humanitarian corridor with specific limitations. These limitations restrict the number of buses and passengers, and also include fixed operating hours on the Israeli side or its occasional sudden closure," he said.

He stated this situation leads to several problems, mianly inability to book tickets on the platform for several days.

Faraya emphasized the importance and effectiveness of the e-platform in streamlining travel procedures and organizing advance online ticket bookings, in accordance with the capacity limits set by the Israeli side.

He also noted the reasons for bridge digestion were travelers' early arrival, failure to purchase tickets through the e-platform, while others don't plan to buy tickets in advance for both their outbound and return journeys.

Rejecting claims of traveler mistreatment, he affirmed Jordan's supportive stance towards the Palestinian people and its "unwavering" commitment to preserving their dignity and defending their rights.

He indicated that critics of the platform have "clear commercial interests in its cancellation, aiming for financial gain." Additionally, he toured the bridge's various facilities and checked on services provided to travelers.

He commended the procedures implemented by the different agencies operating at the bridge and their role in streamlining processes through a clear operational framework.

Listening directly to traveler feedback, he emphasized to the relevant authorities the need to take "immediate" action to address certain administrative issues.

//Petra// AG