Jordan launches air bridge to aid Gazans

AMMAN, Jordan

Jordan on Tuesday announced the launch of a humanitarian air bridge for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

Speaking at a press conference in Amman, government spokesperson Mohammed Momani said several helicopters will transfer humanitarian aid shipments to Palestinians in Gaza over eight days, with 18 flights every day.

"The planes will carry food, medical, and relief aid towards the Qarara (Kissufim) crossing point," Momani said, adding that the location was chosen as a central area connecting the northern and southern parts of the Gaza Strip.

A three-phase Gaza ceasefire and prisoner swap agreement took effect on Jan. 19, suspending Israel’s genocidal war that has killed more than 47,000 Palestinians, reduced the enclave to rubble, and led to shortages of food and other basic supplies.

The deal, besides the exchange of Israeli captives in return for Palestinian prisoners, requires the entry of some 600 aid trucks into Gaza each day of the initial six-week truce.

The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants in November last year for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.

*Writing by Ahmed Asmar