GAZA, Tuesday, June 11, 2024 (WAFA) – Jordanian King Abdullah II said that the situation in Gaza is "simply catastrophic," adding that, "The people of Gaza have been facing death and destruction for the past eight months."

He added, “The start of the military operation in Rafah exacerbated the deteriorating situation, as nearly a million Gazans were forcibly displaced again, deprived of access to food, water, shelter, and medicine, and even those who were repeatedly displaced in search of safety are being targeted, there is no a safe place."

King Abdullah II  affirmed that the international humanitarian response in Gaza is far below what is required, as the delivery of aid faces obstacles at all levels, and the process of delivering humanitarian aid cannot wait for a ceasefire.

He called for focusing on the need for a strong coordination mechanism that includes all parties on the ground, stressing that the land corridor is the most effective way for aid to flow into Gaza.

"We must be prepared now to deploy a sufficient number of trucks to deliver aid on a daily basis. There is a need for hundreds of trucks inside Gaza, and more aid to ensure its continuous and effective flow via land roads to Gaza."

King Abdullah II said that the quantity and quality of aid provided to Gaza is essential and no less important than other requirements, as medicines, water and shelter materials must be provided adequately and continuously.

He stressed that Jordan will continue to send aid, alongside international organizations and donors, by land despite the obstacles and airdrops, and will consider the possibility of using heavy helicopters to secure aid in the short term.

He akso said that Jordan has already begun sending aid to the West Bank months ago to support the Palestinians in these difficult circumstances.

"We have provided more than $25 million in food and medical aid since October 7 to the West Bank. A field hospital for the armed forces operates in Nablus. This is in addition to approximately $75 million in direct Jordanian aid to Gaza since the start of the war, and we also operate two field hospitals in the north and south."

King Abdullah II  pointed to the deteriorating economic, political and security conditions in the West Bank, where hundreds of children were killed and injured by Israeli forces and its colonists. 

Y.S