In light of Israeli attacks, Jordanian and Palestinian leaders are calling for the establishment of humanitarian corridors in the Gaza Strip
The Israeli army launched a massive military campaign against Gaza after the Hamas attack
AMMAN, Jordan
Jordanian and Palestinian leaders called on Thursday for the opening of humanitarian corridors to Gaza amid Israel's massive airstrikes on Palestinian territory.
King Abdullah II of Jordan meets with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Amman to discuss the situation in Gaza.
The joint statement said the two leaders called for “the urgent opening of humanitarian corridors to bring aid and medical assistance to Gaza and to provide water and electricity.”
The declaration states that efforts by international organizations to provide humanitarian assistance guaranteed under international law should not be hindered.
The Jordanian monarch warned against the collective punishment of Palestinians in Gaza and called for respect for international law to protect civilians. Jordan "is making major efforts with regional and international stakeholders and partners to discuss urgent international measures to stop the escalation, protect Palestinians and prevent their displacement," he said.
Against the backdrop of a dramatic escalation of tensions in the Middle East, Israeli forces are launching a sustained and decisive military campaign against the Gaza Strip in response to the military offensive by the Palestinian group Hamas on Israeli territory.
The conflict began when Hamas launched Operation Al-Aqsa Flood against Israel, a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a series of rocket attacks and infiltration of Israel by land, sea and air, in what Hamas claimed was retaliation for Israel represented the attack on Israeli territory. Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem and increasing violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians.
In response to Hamas' actions, the Israeli military launched Operation Iron Swords against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip. Israel's response was to cut off water and electricity supplies to Gaza, further deteriorating living conditions in an area that has been under a devastating siege since 2007.
More than 2,700 people have been killed since the conflict began on Saturday, including more than 1,400 Palestinians and 1,300 Israelis.
The call by Jordanian and Palestinian leaders for the establishment of humanitarian corridors in the Gaza Strip comes amid a dire humanitarian crisis caused by the Israeli military campaign and the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Here's an elaboration on this situation:
1. Humanitarian Corridors: The joint statement by Jordan's King Abdullah II and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas emphasizes the urgent need to open humanitarian corridors to Gaza. These corridors are essential to deliver aid, medical assistance, and vital supplies to the beleaguered Palestinian population in Gaza. It's a response to the worsening humanitarian conditions and suffering inflicted by the ongoing hostilities.
2. International Law: The statement underscores that international organizations must be allowed to provide humanitarian assistance as guaranteed under international law. This highlights the importance of respecting international humanitarian law, which dictates that civilians and non-combatants should be protected during armed conflicts, and humanitarian aid should be allowed to reach those in need without hindrance.
3. Collective Punishment: King Abdullah II expressed concern over the collective punishment of Palestinians in Gaza. Collective punishment is prohibited under international law, and it refers to the imposition of penalties or suffering on a group of people for the actions of individuals within that group. The statement calls for an end to such practices.
4. Diplomatic Efforts: The Jordanian monarch's mention of "major efforts with regional and international stakeholders and partners" underscores the gravity of the situation and the urgency of finding a diplomatic solution to halt the escalating violence. Diplomacy and international involvement are seen as critical to ending the conflict and protecting Palestinian lives.
Twelve UN refugee agency workers killed in Gaza
According to the United Nations, more than 338,000 Palestinians are displaced in Gaza At least 12 UN staff were killed in Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip after Hamas attacked Israel, according to the United Nations.
“Twelve UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East) staff have died since October 7,” spokesman Stéphane Dujarric told reporters.
Separately, the agency also wrote in X that it was “devastated by the confirmation” of the deaths.
“We mourn this loss and we mourn our colleagues and our families. UN personnel and civilians must be protected at all times,” he said.
Dujarric noted that more than 338,000 residents had been displaced, an increase of 30 per cent in the last 24 hours, adding that two-thirds of the displaced sought refuge in UNRWA-run schools
“According to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Emergency Relief (UNHIV), nearly 218,000 internally displaced people are housed in 92 schools across the Gaza Strip,” it said. “In Gaza, more than 2,500 homes were destroyed, severely damaged and rendered uninhabitable, while nearly 23,000 others suffered moderate or minor damage.” » According to Dujarric, at least 88 educational institutions were affected, including 18 UNRWA schools, two of which served as shelters for displaced people, and 70 Palestinian Authority schools.
The situation in Gaza, as described in this report, reflects a deeply distressing humanitarian crisis:
1. UN Personnel Casualties: At least 12 staff and personnel from the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) have been killed as a result of Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip. These individuals were working for a humanitarian agency dedicated to assisting Palestinian refugees in the region. Their tragic deaths underscore the perilous conditions and the indiscriminate nature of the conflict.
2. Displacement Crisis: The report highlights that over 338,000 Palestinians have been displaced in Gaza due to the ongoing hostilities. This represents a 30% increase in displacement in just 24 hours, demonstrating the rapid escalation of the humanitarian crisis. The displacement of a large number of people places enormous stress on resources, infrastructure, and humanitarian organizations.
3. Shelter in UNRWA-Run Schools: As the conflict intensifies, a significant portion of the displaced population is seeking refuge in schools run by UNRWA. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency is providing shelter and support for internally displaced people in Gaza. This situation underscores the essential role that humanitarian organizations play in providing safe havens for civilians during conflicts.
4. Destruction and Damage: The conflict has caused widespread destruction and damage in Gaza. More than 2,500 residential units have been destroyed, severely damaged, or rendered uninhabitable, while nearly 23,000 other units have sustained moderate to minor damage. This massive destruction impacts the lives and livelihoods of countless individuals and families.
5. Targeting of Educational Facilities: The report also mentions the alarming targeting of educational facilities. At least 88 educational facilities, including 18 UNRWA schools, have been struck during the conflict. This not only disrupts the education of children but also compromises the use of these schools as emergency shelters for displaced people. Such attacks on schools are a violation of international humanitarian law and put the safety and well-being of civilians at risk.
The situation in Gaza is dire, with a heavy toll on both the civilian population and humanitarian workers. The escalating violence, displacement, and destruction underscore the urgent
