The general prosecutor in a Jordanian National Security Court officially charged several Hamas members of conspiring to carry out terror acts, the German Press Agency DPA reported.
The Jordanian authorities are accusing Hamas of smuggling weapons into Jordan via Syria and undermining the country’s security.
The issue was first raised in April by a Jordanian government spokesman who said security forces seized rocket launchers and other weapons from a Hamas arms cache in the country. Amman also accused Hamas of using Jordan to engage in anti-Israeli activities.
The accusations caused a brawl between the Jordanian government and Hamas, which now dominates the Palestinian government and parliament.
Hamas officials have vociferously denied the allegations, which they say are fabricated. They say Amman is being influenced by the United States to boycott the new Palestinian government.
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Analysts say Jordan is concerned about the rise of Hamas, since the movement was inspired by the Muslim Brotherhood, which has a significant following in Jordan. Amman is concerned the victory will embolden these Islamists and will undermine Jordan’s stability.
Hamas is seeking mediation from Arab or Muslim countries to solve the crisis with Amman.
Meanwhile, the Jordanian government ratified a new law to combat terrorism on Sunday. The law extends the powers of the authorities against anyone who directly or indirectly supports terrorist acts. The opposition opposes the law on grounds that it will turn Jordan into a police state.