US Secretary of State visits WFP warehouses in Amman

Amman: The United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken conducted an inspection visit on Sunday to the United Nations World Food Program (WFP) warehouses in Amman, overseeing the coordination of humanitarian aid destined for the Gaza Strip. This collaborative effort involves the Jordan Hashemite Charity Organization (JHCO) and the WFP, utilizing two strategic corridors: King Hussein Bridge - Karam Abu Salem Crossing and Aqaba - Nuweiba towards Rafah. Blinken's visit to Jordan is part of ongoing discussions on efforts to halt the war on Gaza, ensure the delivery of aid, protect civilians, and initiate a genuine and effective endeavor to bring about a just peace based on the two-state solution. Expressing the significance of Jordan's role in facilitating the transportation of humanitarian aid to Gaza, Blinken stated during his visit to the warehouses, "We have worked since day one to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza." Laurene Goublet, WFP Deputy Country Director in Jordan, highlighted t he program's recent efforts, conducting multiple inter-agency aid convoys since November. These convoys included life-saving food and non-food items sourced from various humanitarian organizations. Goublet emphasized the importance of establishing a sustainable channel for relief aid through Jordan to ensure the swift delivery of a substantial quantity of supplies. The WFP has procured 3,400 tons of food from Jordan, with 2,350 tons already delivered to Gaza. An additional 1,050 tons are prepared for delivery. The WFP is set to award bids to Jordanian suppliers for the purchase of 9,600 tons of prepared food, with delivery expected in January and February. Source: Jordan News Agency