Dozens of Jordanians Launch Hunger Strike to Demand Gaza Siege End

At least 60 Jordanians have begun an open hunger strike, pressing for an end to the Israeli blockade on northern Gaza.

The protesters demand their government facilitate aid to the war-stricken region and counter a reported Israeli plan to expel Palestinians from the area permanently.

“We demand the closure of Jordanian crossings to goods going to Israel until sufficient medical and humanitarian aid is delivered to northern Gaza,” stated Mohammed Awda, one of the strikers, in an interview with Middle East Eye (MEE).

Awda emphasized their demand for at least 500 aid trucks to reach Jabalia, Beit Lahia, Beit Hanoun, and the Kamal Adwan hospital in northern Gaza.

These towns have endured intense Israeli bombardment and siege for over a month.

Human rights groups warn the offensive could lead to the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians from northern Gaza, potentially turning the area into a “closed military zone.”

The hunger strike began on November 1 outside the US Embassy in Amman, with only a few initial participants.

However, as the protest gained traction online, more Jordanians joined.

The participants, mostly unaffiliated with political parties, say their sole purpose is to push for humanitarian relief into Gaza.

While most strikers remain in their homes, subsisting on water and salt, a group of twelve men is fasting together in an Amman apartment.

Some strikers have been hospitalized due to low blood sugar levels.

“We are steadfast and will not stop until aid enters northern Gaza,” a young man in the group told MEE, declining to give his name.

The strike, part of a campaign called “Throw Your Stick,” references a symbolic act of resistance by Yahya Sinwar, as noted by organizers.

Government Accused of Inaction

Protesters accuse Jordanian authorities of ignoring their demands, despite over a week of protest.

They claim their health and humanitarian needs are being disregarded and have staged a sit-in outside the National Council for Human Rights in response.

Earlier in the week, a group of strikers attempted to gather at the Jordanian Professional Associations Complex, but security personnel asked them to leave, warning of possible arrest, as several strikers reported to MEE.

On Thursday, some protesters tried to submit their demands directly to Prime Minister Jafar Hassan but were told to return during working hours, according to Awda.

Azem al-Qaddoumi, head of the Professional Associations Council, explained that protesters were initially prevented from staying inside the building due to a lack of prior arrangements.

“They are striking on their initiative,” he told MEE, though he added that their request to use the facilities is under consideration.

Jordanian leaders face a challenging balance as public support for Palestinians in Gaza intensifies while they strive to maintain diplomatic relations with Israel.

Jordan, home to many descendants of Palestinian refugees who fled during the Nakba, often sees large-scale demonstrations backing the Palestinian resistance in Gaza.

Recently, incidents near Jordan’s border with Israel have intensified.

In September, former Jordanian soldier Maher al-Jazi shot and killed three Israelis near the Allenby Bridge border crossing.

The following month, Jordanian men Amer Qawas and Hussam Abu Ghazaleh crossed into Israel, injuring two Israeli soldiers near the Dead Sea.