She pointed out that when Israel faced an attack on October 7, the world quickly supported its right to self-defense, but in the recent weeks of conflict, there has been a perceived silence on the suffering in Gaza.
Israel initiated a “complete siege” on Gaza after a terror attack by Hamas on October 7. The ongoing siege has resulted in continuous airstrikes on densely populated areas and a blockade on essential supplies for the entire population.
Queen Rania emphasized that the lack of international calls for a ceasefire during this humanitarian crisis has raised concerns in the Middle East and made some feel that the Western world is complicit in the suffering. She also questioned the double standard in the response to civilian deaths.
According to the Hamas-controlled Palestinian Ministry of Health, the death toll from Israeli strikes in Gaza has exceeded 5,000, including over 2,000 children, and at least 35 UN workers have been killed. Israel maintains that it is targeting Hamas militants, alleging that they use civilian infrastructure for cover.
The United Nations and aid organizations are urgently appealing for a ceasefire and the unhindered movement of humanitarian aid to help the increasingly desperate population. Power shortages are putting the lives of vulnerable patients, including critically injured individuals and premature infants, at risk in Gaza.
Queen Rania highlighted the anguish of Palestinian mothers in the face of this conflict, emphasizing that they love their children just as much as any other mothers in the world.
