In an address following his tour of a World Food Program Regional Coordination Warehouse in Amman, Jordan, on January 7, 2024, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken highlighted the urgent focus on the worsening food situation in Gaza.
Commending the remarkable efforts of the World Food Program, Blinken acknowledged the challenges faced by the team on the ground in Gaza and the broader United Nations mission.
Emphasizing the essential role of collecting and distributing food, especially ready-to-eat items given current conditions, Blinken expressed gratitude for the operations observed during his visit.
He commended Jordan for its instrumental role in assisting Palestinians in Gaza, citing the establishment of a direct convoy route from Jordan to Gaza and various initiatives, including airdrops and field hospitals.
Highlighting ongoing efforts by the United States to open and expand access routes into Gaza for effective aid delivery, Blinken revealed that the U.S. has been a significant supporter of the World Food Program, contributing approximately 50 percent of its budget, totaling $3 billion in the last year.
He noted the dispatch of 500,000 pounds of nutritious food products to Egypt for distribution in Gaza over the past few months.
Blinken emphasized the determination to alleviate the food and humanitarian crisis in Gaza, stressing the imperative to maximize assistance for the people in need.
The Secretary of State underscored the ongoing commitment to work closely with the World Food Program not only in Gaza but also in various global contexts. Looking ahead, efforts will focus not only on getting aid into Gaza but also on ensuring its effective distribution throughout the region.
