Amman, August 6 (Petra) – 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.
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 criticised 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 criticised 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, expressed deep frustration at the ongoing settler violence targeting aid convoys, Saeed Abu Rahma.
“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.”
Omar Akkour, a professor of international law at the University of Jordan, stated that Israel’s obstruction of humanitarian aid violates international humanitarian law, including the Geneva Conventions.
“Preventing aid from reaching civilians, especially children, is a crime against humanity,” Akkour said. “The attacks on Jordanian convoys are not isolated incidents of theft they are systematic actions enabled by the occupation.”
He added that the Israeli attacks actions serve as legal evidence of Israel’s international responsibility and urged the international community to hold it accountable.
Akkour highlighted the role of Jordanian diplomacy, led by His Majesty King Abdullah II, which has helped shift several European nations toward recognising a Palestinian state moves that may have triggered retaliatory measures from the Israeli side.
Despite the escalating risks, Jordan remains committed to its humanitarian mission. The Ministry of Health in Gaza recently reported five new deaths due to famine and malnutrition in the past 24 hours, raising the total to 193, including 96 children.
Minister Government Communication Mohammad Momani noted that although the journey from Amman to Gaza should take no more than two hours, Israeli-imposed restrictions have extended delivery times to more than 36 hours.
The latest Jordanian aid convoy, sent last Wednesday, was delayed multiple times due to settler attacks. Four trucks were damaged after roads were blocked, stones thrown and windshields shattered.
Jordan continues to race against time to deliver life-saving aid to Gaza, standing firm in the face of mounting obstacles and reaffirming its unwavering commitment to the people of the besieged enclave.
//Petra// AK
06/08/2025 17:52:08
