AMMAN, Jordan: Jordan is hosting a summit on Tuesday to address the urgent humanitarian response needed for Palestinians in Gaza, who have endured over eight months of devastating conflict. The United Nations has warned of an impending famine in the region, as the majority of Gazans rely on intermittent aid deliveries for food, water, and energy.
The summit aims to bring together leaders and aid officials to enhance the international community’s response to the humanitarian disaster in Gaza, according to the Jordanian royal court. The conference, organized by the UN, Jordan, and Egypt, is taking place on the Dead Sea coast and will be attended by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas.
Blinken is on his eighth visit to the region since the war began, advocating for a truce and hostage exchange deal proposed by US President Joe Biden. The proposal suggests Israel withdraw from Gaza population centers and Hamas release hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. The ceasefire would initially last six weeks, with the potential for extension as negotiators work towards a permanent resolution.
Gaza has been severely impacted, with much of the territory reduced to rubble and nearly all of its 2.4 million residents displaced. Aid has been significantly restricted, particularly since the closure of the Rafah border crossing with Egypt in May, which was a main conduit for humanitarian and fuel deliveries.
Jordan’s foreign ministry stated that the conference would discuss preparations for early recovery and seek commitments for a collective and coordinated response to the humanitarian crisis. The primary goal of the summit is to reach a consensus on practical measures to meet Gaza’s immediate needs.
