Jordan Sends Largest Aid Convoy to Gaza Amid Ongoing Crisis

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A significant humanitarian effort is underway as Jordan prepares to send its largest aid convoy to Gaza since the outbreak of conflict in October 2023. Consisting of 120 trucks, this mission aims to deliver essential food and medical supplies to the embattled territory. The convoy, led by driver Mustafa al Qadri, will first cross Israeli customs at the King Hussein/Allenby Bridge before heading to the Erez crossing into Gaza, where aid will be handed over to local drivers associated with the World Food Programme.

Jordanian King Abdullah II has been a strong advocate for these relief efforts, emphasizing the importance of supporting Palestinians, many of whom have familial ties to Jordan. The convoy is timed to coincide with increasing international calls for humanitarian aid as the ceasefire negotiations progress. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres has highlighted the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where 90% of the 2.2 million residents are displaced and heavily reliant on aid.

In Gaza, scenes of desperation persist as children face long queues for food, reflecting the profound impact of the ongoing conflict. Local residents express hope for peace and the return of a normal life, as illustrated by the story of ten-year-old Farah Khaled Basal, who dreams of reuniting her family.

The Jordan Hashemite Charity Organisation reports that it has the capacity to load up to 150 trucks daily for Gaza, indicating a strong willingness to provide assistance once access is fully granted. However, the situation remains precarious, with ongoing security concerns and significant obstacles to the delivery of aid.

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