Jordan relief aid arrives in Gaza

AMMAN — The first batch of medical and humanitarian assistance collected by the Jordanian “Artery of Life” committee reached Gaza on Saturday.

The donations, which included $350,000 worth of medicine and food, were dispatched by the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organisation (JHCO), committee head, Wael Saqqa, told the Jordan News Agency, Petra. 

 He noted that preparations are under way to launch the “Ansar 6” aid convoy, which aims at showing solidarity with the Palestinians in the besieged enclave and providing them with their basic needs. 

Saqqa called on citizens to contribute donations to the campaign. 

Also on Saturday, JHCO Secretary General Ayman Mefleh said the organisation has prepared two urgent aid convoys laden with medical supply and in-kind donations for Gazans. 

He noted that one of the convoys includes 12 trucks laden with aid to be presented to Jordan’s field hospital in Gaza and then handed out to societies and civil society organisations.

The second consignment contains 21 trucks and will be presented to UNRWA via the southern Karm Abu Salem border crossing to be handed out to the beneficiaries, according to Mefleh.   

Meanwhile, the Jordan Engineers Association (JEA) has so far sent medical and food assistance valued at $500,000 to the strip, JEA member Badi Rafaia said Saturday.

He added that the association had agreements with Gazan importers and merchants, in cooperation with the Palestinian health ministry, to buy foodstuff in the enclave and send them to those in need. 

Rafaia noted the JEA is still receiving donations for Gaza, according to a statement sent to The Jordan Times.