Amman: Jordan pressed on with its humanitarian relief operations to Gaza, which is facing severe famine and a humanitarian catastrophe, despite new and escalating Israeli restrictions aimed at hindering aid deliveries.
According to Jordan News Agency, among the most serious obstacles are attacks by Israeli settlers on Jordanian aid convoys. The attacks have included the destruction of relief supplies, vandalism of trucks, and physical assaults. In one recent incident, a Jordanian convoy of 38 trucks was charged more than $15,000 in fees while en route to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza.
Additional restrictions imposed by Israeli authorities include a requirement to submit prior electronic applications for aid convoys, indefinite delays at border crossings limited to official working hours, and new customs duties introduced on July 10 of $300 to $400 per truck. Aid trucks have been damaged in settler attacks, with tires slashed, stones hurled, and cargo destroyed.
Officials have criticized the exploitation of misinformation by individuals misrepresenting the situation on the ground, thereby undermining humanitarian efforts. Former Minister of Government Communications Muhannad Mubaideen told the Jordan News Agency (Petra) that the Israeli restrictions to aid delivery affirm Jordan's longstanding warnings: the war in Gaza constitutes a genocide and the Israel's policies are designed to starve and kill civilians.
"Jordan will not abandon its mission. We will continue to send aid and will not attach a price tag to our humanitarian efforts," Mubaideen said. "Our goal is to relieve the suffering of the people of Gaza and to break the siege imposed on them." He criticized voices questioning Jordan's motives or efforts, urging critics to focus on condemning the restrictions imposed by the Israeli authorities.
"Jordan is approaching this crisis with full responsibility," he added. "What we are witnessing are deliberate actions aimed at the annihilation of Gaza and the forced displacement of its people." A resident of Gaza, Saeed Abu Rahma, expressed deep frustration at the ongoing settler violence targeting aid convoys. "The trucks are standing still while people are dying," he said. "We are not asking for charity, we are demanding our basic right to life."