From donations to sit-ins, Jordanians take Palestinian cause to heart

AMMAN — As tensions continue to escalate in the Gaza Strip, Jordanians from all walks of life unite in denouncing the ongoing Israeli assaults on Gazans and the deprivation of water, electricity and Internet access.

In a powerful show of solidarity with their Palestinian neighbours, Jordanians are launching nightly sit-ins in front of the Kalouti Mosque in Amman, downtown Amman, and multiple governorates in Jordan. 

They are calling on the international community to denounce the Israeli assaults on Gazans and put an end to the siege that Israel has imposed on Gaza, preventing medical aid from entering.

Challenging media portrayal

The outpouring of solidarity came not only in the form of rallies and protests but also in Jordanians' voices speaking out against how the Palestinian cause is portrayed in mainstream media.

Amid the ongoing conflict between Israelis and Palestinians, Jordanians claim that mainstream media remains biased against the Palestinian cause and question the honesty of international media's portrayal of the situation.

“Mainstream media always fails to capture the depth and complexity of the Palestinian struggle,” Ayah Kilani, a Jordanian, told The Jordan Times. 

Kilani added that it's disheartening to see the media oversimplify such a complex conflict. They often fail to highlight the human sufferings of Gazans. 

Mainstream media showcases Israel as victims while in reality, they are seen as “murderers” said Kilani. 

Mohammad Nuaimat, a 25-year-old Jordanian, told The Jordan Times that the stories of ordinary Palestinians in Gaza who are affected by the violence are often overlooked. 

“Many media agencies are flipping the reality, sharing photos of Gazan children and claiming they support Israel, as if these photos are of Israeli children and victims,” Nuaimat added. 

“It's important to focus on the root causes and the history that has led to this situation. We need a non-biased representation of reality,” he said.

Taking action

While the media coverage raised concerns, Jordanians were not content to merely voice their opinions. They took tangible steps to help their Palestinian brethren in need. A widespread campaign saw Jordanians rally to donate medications, funds, and various types of aid to assist the people of Gaza who were suffering from the effects of the conflict.

One Jordanian, Samar Al Hajj, who is actively involved in the aid campaign, told The Jordan Times that “Jordanians cannot sit and watch while our neighbours in Gaza endure such hardships”. 

“It's not enough to criticise the media; we must take action to help those who are struggling,” Hajj added. 

Urgent humanitarian needs

International news agencies reported that electricity, Internet, and fuel had been cut off in Gaza, including in hospitals.

Healthcare providers were calling on the international community to “force” Israel to allow fuel to pass through for use in electricity generators at hospitals. 

“The closure of the Rafah crossing only added to the challenges faced by the people of Gaza,” a Gazan healthcare provider said during a TV interview. 

The international community is urged to pressure Israel to reopen the Rafah crossing, which serves as a lifeline for the Gaza Strip, said the healthcare provider. 

Jordan’s Ambassador to Egypt Amjad Adaileh on Thursday said that the Kingdom is leading diplomatic and political efforts to pressure Israel to lift the blockade on the Gaza Strip and deliver aid to those in need, Al Mamlaka TV reported.

A national outpouring of support

Numerous organisations have come forward with their commitment to providing financial assistance to the people of Gaza. In a display of solidarity, both individuals and institutions in Jordan have pledged to donate essential items to those in need in Gaza.