As the sun rises over the Jordan Valley, Mustafa al Qadri navigates through the terrain, flanked by a long line of aid trucks destined for Gaza. The convoy is on a significant mission, carrying essential supplies for residents suffering amidst a dire humanitarian crisis.
First, they must cross the King Hussein/Allenby Bridge into Israel and subsequently the Erez crossing into Gaza, where local drivers from the World Food Programme will take over the delivery. Despite the challenges posed by Israeli settlers blocking routes and the threat of hijacking from armed groups, Mustafa remains optimistic. "We are carrying aid like food and medication for our brothers in Gaza," he emphasizes. His use of "brothers" reflects a deep-seated connection, as many Jordanians have Palestinian heritage.
The atmosphere is lively; drivers wave to supporters and honk their horns, a tribute to the popular support for Gaza within Jordan. This aid convoy consists of 120 trucks, marking the largest deployment since the conflict reignited, a clear message to Gazans that they are not forgotten. King Abdullah II has been at the forefront of this initiative to ensure vital supplies reach those in need.
The international community has committed to providing a surge of aid contingent on a durable ceasefire. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres underscored the urgency, urging for the removal of obstacles that hamper aid distribution in Gaza, where 90% of the 2.2 million inhabitants are displaced and heavily reliant on humanitarian help.
Eyewitness reports from Gaza showcase heartbreaking scenes, with children like ten-year-old Farah Khaled Basal waiting for sustenance to share with her siblings. "I want to go back to our home and for my father to return to us," she expressed, voicing the pain of separation and longing for stability. Sixteen-year-old Lamees Mohammad Al Mizar'i shared her sobering transformation from food preferences to the struggles of survival. Living in a tent with her family, she remarked, "In the past, I used to think daily where to go out, what to play... now I keep thinking about food."
Back in Amman, preparations are underway for additional aid, with the Jordanian Hashemite Charity Organization indicating it could dispatch 150 trucks per day with the required permissions. Both aid organizations and citizens are eager to assist, fostering hope in the face of a prolonged conflict that has left countless families in despair.
The journey of aid is just beginning, and all eyes are on the developments to secure peace and facilitate comprehensive support for the beleaguered population of Gaza.
First, they must cross the King Hussein/Allenby Bridge into Israel and subsequently the Erez crossing into Gaza, where local drivers from the World Food Programme will take over the delivery. Despite the challenges posed by Israeli settlers blocking routes and the threat of hijacking from armed groups, Mustafa remains optimistic. "We are carrying aid like food and medication for our brothers in Gaza," he emphasizes. His use of "brothers" reflects a deep-seated connection, as many Jordanians have Palestinian heritage.
The atmosphere is lively; drivers wave to supporters and honk their horns, a tribute to the popular support for Gaza within Jordan. This aid convoy consists of 120 trucks, marking the largest deployment since the conflict reignited, a clear message to Gazans that they are not forgotten. King Abdullah II has been at the forefront of this initiative to ensure vital supplies reach those in need.
The international community has committed to providing a surge of aid contingent on a durable ceasefire. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres underscored the urgency, urging for the removal of obstacles that hamper aid distribution in Gaza, where 90% of the 2.2 million inhabitants are displaced and heavily reliant on humanitarian help.
Eyewitness reports from Gaza showcase heartbreaking scenes, with children like ten-year-old Farah Khaled Basal waiting for sustenance to share with her siblings. "I want to go back to our home and for my father to return to us," she expressed, voicing the pain of separation and longing for stability. Sixteen-year-old Lamees Mohammad Al Mizar'i shared her sobering transformation from food preferences to the struggles of survival. Living in a tent with her family, she remarked, "In the past, I used to think daily where to go out, what to play... now I keep thinking about food."
Back in Amman, preparations are underway for additional aid, with the Jordanian Hashemite Charity Organization indicating it could dispatch 150 trucks per day with the required permissions. Both aid organizations and citizens are eager to assist, fostering hope in the face of a prolonged conflict that has left countless families in despair.
The journey of aid is just beginning, and all eyes are on the developments to secure peace and facilitate comprehensive support for the beleaguered population of Gaza.
