As Jordan mobilises humanitarian aid, calls rise to avert ‘slow murder of Gazans’

AMMAN — Jordan stands unwavering in its support for the Palestinian people in the face of adversity, despite Israel’s “grave crime” of blocking humanitarian aid from reaching Gazans, according to observers.

His Majesty King Abdullah has issued directives to dispatch essential medical aid to Gaza, a clear demonstration of Jordan’s unwavering commitment to the Palestinian cause.

A Jordan Hashemite Charity Organisation (JHCO) official told The Jordan Times that the medical aid is prepared for delivery and will be dispatched on Wednesday night. This aid will pass through the Rafah crossing, with close coordination involving Egypt. Additionally, the JHCO has announced that it will be accepting donations from Jordanians to be sent to Gaza.

Political analyst Mohammad Al Tal told The Jordan Times that negotiations are currently underway to allow the entry of medical aid to Gaza through Rafah crossings.

“Israel announced earlier that it will not allow any aid to enter through Rafah crossings, which is against human rights and international conventions,” Tal added. 

Notably, Gaza’s sole border crossing with Egypt, the only entry point not controlled by Israel, was hit by an Israeli air strike for the third time within 24 hours, he noted. 

Tal shed light on the immense challenges faced by both the international community and Jordan in delivering aid through the Rafah crossing. 

“Israel has made it almost impossible to deliver medical and humanitarian aid to Gaza, which, according to international standards, constitutes a war crime,” said Tal. 

“Israel has ominously declared its intent to intercept and target any humanitarian aid bound for Gaza, resulting in significant disruptions to the supply of vital resources,” Tal added.

Arab countries, including Jordan, are poised to provide much-needed assistance and are eagerly awaiting the opening of the Rafah crossing.

“The denial of humanitarian aid to Palestinians during this crisis is tantamount to a grave crime, with the elderly and children being the most vulnerable to the consequences of this harsh reality,” Tal stressed. 

He emphasised that the world is now urging the international community to take swift and resolute measures to prevent what has been described as the “slow murder of Gazans”.

Former media minister Mohammad Al Momani told The Jordan Times that, in these turbulent times, the principles of humanity dictate that no one should be deprived of the essential humanitarian aid they require.

“Jordan is standing tall on the moral high ground, unwavering in its support for Palestinians facing a dire and fearful situation,” Momani added. 

He emphasised that the medical aid being sent aligns with Jordan’s unwavering policy of standing by Palestine. Regardless of the political intricacies at play, Jordan remains resolute in delivering critical humanitarian assistance to Gaza.

Momani highlighted that the root cause of this enduring conflict lies in the absence of justice and the establishment of a Palestinian state.

“Until this core issue is addressed, violence is likely to persist,” he said. 

However, Momani highlighted that it is of paramount importance that neither Palestinians nor Israelis are held hostage to the political manoeuvrings of their leaders.