Queen Rania al Abdullah of Jordan recently gave an interview discussing the impact of the ongoing war in Gaza. She highlighted the devastation in Gaza, with cities turning into wastelands and children suffering from starvation and trauma. She criticized the world’s reaction to the conflict, expressing anger at the selective application of humanitarian law and the lack of condemnation for human rights violations.
Queen Rania also spoke about the perception in the Arab world that the United States is complicit in the conflict due to its support for Israel. She emphasized the need for the US to use its leverage to compel Israel to end the war and allow aid into Gaza. She called for diplomatic pressure and accountability to ensure adherence to international law.
The interview touched on the dehumanization of Palestinians and the need to recognize their humanity. Queen Rania emphasized that Palestinian mothers love their children just as much as Israeli mothers, challenging the narrative that dehumanizes Palestinians. She also rejected the idea that criticizing Israeli government policies equates to antisemitism, advocating for a distinction between political criticism and discrimination based on identity.
Discussing the protests in support of Palestinians, Queen Rania acknowledged the importance of law and order while also recognizing the need to address the underlying social justice issues driving the demonstrations. She highlighted the role of young people in activism and the potential for grassroots movements to influence foreign policy decisions.
The interview concluded with a discussion on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the need for immediate aid and access for the population. Queen Rania expressed concern about the long-term impact of the conflict, including the potential for increased recruitment to extremist groups. She called for a permanent ceasefire, access for aid workers, and a focus on diplomacy and trust to maintain peace in the region.
