Jordan Times
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Queen Rania calls for mobilising efforts in support of Palestinians in Gaza
AMMAN (JT) - Her Majesty Queen Rania on Monday visited Palestinian patients receiving medical attention at the King Hussein Medical Centre (KHMC), to offer her support as they undergo treatment in Jordan.
Earlier this month, His Majesty King Abdullah issued a Royal makruma inviting patients to receive treatment in the Kingdom amid reports of deteriorating health services in Gaza.
The first batch of 15 patients suffering from severe medical problems was admitted to the KHMC at the beginning of the month.
According to Royal Medical Services Director Major General Abdul Latif Wreikat, the patients were treated and some of them have left the centre.
On Friday, a second group of 19 patients from the Gaza Strip crossed into the Kingdom via the King Hussein Bridge.
They are suffering from heart disease, nervous system disorders and fractures, as well as kidney, digestive system and spinal problems, according to KHMC physician Hashem Abdullat.
During yesterday’s visit, the Queen spoke about the deteriorating humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip and urged Jordanians and Arabs to come together to offer their support and solidarity.
“We all sympathise with our people in Gaza, and we need to use our sadness as an impetus for change,” she said.
“The humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip is heartbreaking. People there are being deprived of so many of the necessities that we take for granted… and I fear that this situation can get worse. We need to mobilise and coordinate our efforts to collect aid to send to Gaza.”
Her Majesty also called on the international community to play a leading role in enforcing human rights declarations and international law “to stop the collective punishment of innocent civilians, who have no political affiliations”.
There are over 1.5 million Palestinians living in Gaza and most of them do not have access to electricity, medical attention and basic needs.