Jordan to Host International Conference on Humanitarian Aid for Gaza
Jordan is set to host an international conference aimed at coordinating humanitarian aid for the war-devastated Gaza Strip. The conference, which will be attended by key UN bodies, regional and international relief agencies, and representatives from Western and Arab countries involved in the aid effort, will be held behind closed doors. Jordan’s King Abdullah, who has been lobbying Western leaders to support a UN resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire, will address the conference.
The four-day truce, which has been extended for two days, has provided some respite in the bombardment of Gaza. However, much of the northern part of the coastal territory, home to 2.3 million people, has been reduced to rubble. The king has accused Israel of committing war crimes through its relentless bombing campaign and the siege of Gaza, which has prevented the entry of essential supplies such as medicine, food, fuel, and electricity.
The Israeli actions were in response to a rampage by Hamas militants on October 7th, during which they killed over 1,200 people and took more than 200 hostages back to Gaza. In light of these events, King Abdullah will call on conference participants to pressure Israel to end its siege of Gaza and allow the unimpeded flow of goods by opening additional border crossings.
UN officials have already been urging Israel to reopen the Kerem Shalom crossing, which was previously used to transport over 60% of truckloads into Gaza before the current conflict. Currently, most trucks carrying aid through Rafah, the only open entry point into Gaza, must first undergo Israeli inspections at the Nitzana crossing. This inspection system has caused delays in delivering urgently needed aid.
Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi recently addressed the UN Security Council, urging them to adopt a resolution to end the war. He criticized the Security Council’s silence, stating that it was giving Israel cover for its crimes. Safadi emphasized that the only path to security and peace was the end of Israel’s occupation of Palestinian land.
The international conference hosted by Jordan is a crucial step in coordinating humanitarian aid efforts for Gaza. With the participation of key UN bodies, relief agencies, and representatives from Western and Arab countries, the conference aims to address the urgent needs of the war-devastated region. King Abdullah’s call for an immediate cease-fire and an end to the siege of Gaza will be a central focus of the conference.
The reopening of border crossings, particularly the Kerem Shalom crossing, is essential to ensure the unimpeded flow of goods and aid into Gaza. The current inspection system at the Nitzana crossing has caused significant delays in delivering essential supplies, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
The conference also highlights the need for international support and intervention to bring an end to the conflict. Jordan’s efforts to lobby Western leaders and garner support for a UN resolution demonstrate its commitment to finding a peaceful resolution and providing much-needed aid to Gaza.
In conclusion, the international conference hosted by Jordan serves as a platform for coordinating humanitarian aid efforts for Gaza. With the participation of key stakeholders, including UN bodies, relief agencies, and representatives from Western and Arab countries, the conference aims to address the urgent needs of the war-devastated region. The call for an immediate cease-fire, an end to the siege of Gaza, and the reopening of border crossings will be central topics of discussion. Jordan’s proactive role in advocating for a peaceful resolution and garnering international support demonstrates its commitment to alleviating the suffering in Gaza.