Jordan’s Queen Rania condemns western world’s role in Gaza

Amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, Queen Rania of Jordan has expressed strong criticism of the western world’s stance. Alleging complicity in the rising casualties, she said that the widespread support for Israel following its conflict with the militant group Hamas has contributed to the humanitarian crisis in the region.

In an interview with CNN, Queen Rania said, “This is the first time in modern history that there is such human suffering, and the world is not even calling for a cease-fire”. She said that the silence is deafening and it makes the western world complicit, “through their support and through the cover that they give Israel that it’s just right to defend itself.”

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Queen Rania decried the western world’s support for Israel as a “glaring double standard.” She pointed out that many in the Arab world view this support as “aiding and abetting” the significant civilian casualties in Gaza.

These remarks come in the midst of Israel’s military campaign in Gaza, launched in response to a surprise attack by Hamas on Israel earlier this month, resulting in over 1,400 casualties.

Israel has declared its intention to eliminate Hamas, recognised as a terrorist organization by the US and several other countries. This has led to hundreds of airstrikes in Gaza, along with a blockade on essential supplies, including food, water, medicine, and fuel.

The United States has largely supported Israel’s right to self-defense, drawing parallels to its own war on terror post-9/11.

Queen Rania criticised the international community for not calling for an immediate ceasefire, contrasting it with the swift and unanimous support for Israel’s right to self-defense. The conflict has resulted in a significant loss of life in Gaza, with the Gaza Health Ministry reporting over 5,700 Palestinians killed, including over 2,300 children, 1,200 women, and 295 elderly individuals. Over 16,000 people have been wounded so far with the hospitals struggling due to dwindling supplies.

In response to the escalating crisis, over a million Palestinians in the north of Gaza have been instructed to evacuate to the south. The rising civilian casualties and the depletion of essential resources have prompted calls for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.