What is the ruling on disposing of a gold necklace found in Jordan, after returning to Palestine, when its owner is unknown and cannot be searched for in the place where it was found?

If someone finds a lost item (Luqata) and picks it up, they are obligated to keep it safe and publicize it for a full year in markets, at mosque entrances, in newspapers, and in places where people gather. If the owner comes and describes it, it should be handed over to them without requiring further proof. This is based on what is narrated in Al-Bukhari and Muslim from Zayd ibn Khalid Al-Juhani (may Allah be pleased with him), who said: "The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) was asked about a lost item – gold and silver – and he said: 'Recognize its container and its tying, then publicize it for a year. If it is not recognized, then spend it, and let it be a trust with you. If its owner comes seeking it one day, give it to him.'"

If you did not do that, you must now publicize it in the town where you found it for the aforementioned period. If its owner comes, you should hand it over to him. Otherwise, you may dispose of it by using it, benefiting from it, or giving it as charity on behalf of its owner. If its owner comes one day and is pleased with the charity, he will have the reward. If he is not pleased with it, you will have the reward, and you should pay him its value.