In a critical move to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken pledged $404 million in aid to the Palestinians at an emergency summit in Jordan. The funding will support food, drinking water, health supplies, and other urgent needs for the war-ravaged region. World leaders at the summit echoed the importance of a ceasefire as the only solution to alleviate the dire conditions in Gaza.
Concerns were raised by aid groups such as the United Nations as conditions in Gaza worsened, with the entire population relying on sporadic aid deliveries. Blinken emphasized the need for all countries, especially those with the capacity to give generously, to step up and support the Palestinians. He urged Hamas to accept the ceasefire proposal put forth by President Joe Biden, backed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The UN chief, Antonio Guterres, emphasized the urgency for the violence to end, calling for international unity to support organizations like UNRWA, facing relentless attacks. Leaders at the summit reiterated their support for Palestinian statehood and increased aid contributions to address the drastic humanitarian needs in Gaza.