Yvette Cooper gazed out at the Jordanian landscape, her frustration evident. Close to the West Bank border, warehouses stocked with essential aid are within reach, yet Israeli restrictions are preventing the delivery of thousands of tons of crucial supplies to Gaza.
In the vicinity of Amman, Jordan’s capital, lies the King Hussein/Allenby Bridge, a vital entry point into the West Bank. However, this border crossing has been closed to aid shipments since September due to security concerns following the deaths of two Israeli soldiers.
Accompanying the Foreign Secretary on a four-day journey through the Middle East, I witnessed the challenges faced in the aftermath of a prolonged conflict. The trip commenced in Bahrain, where Ms. Cooper engaged in a security summit and held discussions with regional influencers.
Moving on to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, another significant player in the region, discussions continued, with a focus on the dire situation in Gaza despite the opulence of the Gulf states. The pressing issues of cementing a sustainable ceasefire and facilitating the flow of aid to Gaza weighed heavily on the Foreign Secretary’s mind.
During a visit to Amman, Ms. Cooper expressed dismay upon seeing 4,000 metric tonnes of food supplies stockpiled in a World Food Programme warehouse. The aid, including wheat flour, canned goods, and medical supplies, has been stagnant for months while the people of Gaza endure severe food shortages.
Reflecting on the proximity of Gaza to Jordan, Ms. Cooper emphasized the urgency of reopening the aid route through Jordan into Gaza. She highlighted the vast quantities of aid ready for distribution that could alleviate the suffering of families in Gaza, including food, shelter kits, medical supplies, and winter clothing.
Additionally, Ms. Cooper disclosed her efforts to assist Jordan in establishing a maternity field hospital in Gaza to address the healthcare crisis affecting pregnant women. The Foreign Secretary underscored the need for immediate action to lift restrictions, expedite aid delivery, and enhance healthcare services in Gaza.
As pressure mounts on Israel to honor the peace plan agreements, Ms. Cooper reiterated the importance of swift actions, such as releasing aid from warehouses, establishing the maternity hospital, and providing educational resources to children in Gaza. The urgency of addressing these pressing issues was a central theme of her visit to the region.
