Amman: Jordan launched an eight-day humanitarian airlift operation Sunday, deploying 16 helicopters daily to deliver critical supplies to Gaza, demonstrating what Government Communications Minister Mohammad Momani called "Jordan's unwavering commitment to supporting Gaza's resilience."
According to Jordan News Agency, Momani said at King Abdullah II Air Base in Ghabawi that the deployment of 16 helicopters carrying food and medical relief supplies represents Jordan's ongoing efforts under King Abdullah II's directives to alleviate Palestinian suffering. This operation also sees contributions from Italy with two aircraft, alongside Greek and Malaysian support.
The press conference featured Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization Secretary-General Hussein Al-Shibli and Jordan Armed Forces (JAF) Media Chief Col. Mustafa Al-Hayari. Jordan has emerged as a key responder to Gaza's crisis, delivering aid via helicopters to the Qarara crossing for distribution across Gaza in coordination with the World Food Program. Since the conflict started, Jordan has dispatched over 5,500 aid trucks.
Al-Shibli outlined the airlift's operational aspects, describing it as an integrated Jordanian humanitarian operation utilizing military helicopters. The Qarara crossing was chosen to expedite aid delivery. He referenced a previous operation in November that deployed eight aircraft carrying seven tons of supplies, highlighting 391 airdrops during the conflict executed by the armed forces.
The aerial bridge complements ground corridors for high-value aid delivery, Al-Shibli explained, with its added value lying in accelerated access to the most challenging and needy areas. JAF Media Chief Col. Mustafa Al-Hayari emphasized the airlift's role in protecting high-value relief materials from damage during transport. He detailed broader humanitarian initiatives, including field hospitals in Gaza that have treated over 370,000 patients and fitted 296 advanced prosthetics under the "Restoring Hope" initiative. The Jordanian military has also completed infrastructure for a women's and maternity hospital in Gaza.
Addressing broader regional issues, Momani emphasized that regional peace depends on establishing an independent Palestinian state along 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital. He stressed the need to implement UN Resolution 194, guaranteeing Palestinian refugees' right of return and compensation.
Momani declared that Jordan's national security is intrinsically linked to Palestinians remaining steadfast on their land and rejecting Israeli displacement policies. This position reflects Jordan's supreme national interest and foundational principles.
The officials collectively emphasized that Jordan's comprehensive aid effort, encompassing both air and land bridges, demonstrates the kingdom's determination to support Palestinian resilience in Gaza. They praised Jordan's pioneering humanitarian role as embodying the Hashemite leadership's vision in supporting just causes, particularly the Palestinian issue.