Gaza Crisis Escalates: Jordan, Red Cross Demand Immediate Aid Access

Humanitarian Catastrophe Worsens Amid Calls for Ceasefire and Statehood

AMMAN/GAZA – Urgent calls are mounting for unimpeded humanitarian access to Gaza as the territory grapples with an escalating crisis. Jordanian Foreign Minister **Ayman Safadi** highlighted the severe situation during discussions with his Czech counterpart, **Jan Lipavsky**.

Joint Diplomatic Push for Aid and Peace

During a phone conversation, **Safadi** emphasized the critical need for coordinated actions to open all crossings, enabling the immediate delivery of substantial humanitarian aid to Gaza. He characterized the situation as an “unprecedented” humanitarian catastrophe.

The two ministers also explored diplomatic avenues to achieve an immediate and enduring ceasefire in Gaza. Both expressed support for ongoing mediation efforts led by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, which are focused on securing a prisoner exchange deal.

Two-State Solution Remains the Focus

Safadi reiterated Jordan’s long-held position that the establishment of a sovereign Palestinian state, along the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, is the sole viable path to lasting peace and regional stability. The Czech Republic’s **Lipavsky** reaffirmed his nation’s commitment to the two-state solution.

Red Cross Warns of Narrowing Window to Save Lives

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Tuesday echoed these concerns, appealing for an agreement between Hamas and Israel to facilitate vital humanitarian work within the Gaza Strip.

In a statement, the ICRC affirmed its readiness to provide essential medical supplies and food, as well as to relay messages between families and hostages held in Gaza. The organization issued a stark warning: the opportunity to save lives is diminishing daily.

“Civilians in Gaza must be given immediate and sustainable access to food, along with safe drinking water, medical supplies, hygiene kits, and other necessities for survival and a dignified life,” the ICRC stated.

Devastating Human Cost Detailed

Gaza-based health authorities reported that the Palestinian death toll from Israeli attacks has reached 61,020, with an additional 150,671 individuals injured since October 7, 2023. Following the collapse of a ceasefire on March 18, approximately 9,519 people have been killed and 38,630 wounded.

According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, as of August 2, 2024, only 15 out of 36 hospitals in Gaza were partially functional, underscoring the dire state of healthcare infrastructure (OCHA, August 2, 2024).