“We Can Besiege Them Too”: Over 100 Jordanian Hunger Strikers Demand Action to Break Northern Gaza Blockade
“We are offering our health as leverage to save lives in Gaza", the strikers said.
In Jordan, over 100 activists have taken a bold stand against the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, launching a hunger strike to pressure their government into compelling Israel to allow 500 humanitarian aid trucks into northern Gaza.
The strikers, now on their 20th day without food, emphasize their unified demand: immediate relief for the besieged people of Jabalia, Beit Hanoun, Beit Lahia, and Kamal Adwan Hospital.
A Growing Movement
The hunger strike began with 63 participants and has now swelled to over 100 individuals from various backgrounds, including elderly participants in their 60s, parents, and community leaders. Among them is Mohammad Abu Ouda, who highlights the health toll on the strikers:
“Some are suffering severe kidney function deterioration, electrolyte imbalances, and fainting episodes. Unfortunately, no official medical team has stepped in to monitor our health. We rely on volunteer doctors for support.”
Rand Nammas, another striker, echoes his concerns:
“Our physical condition is worsening, but our resolve is unshaken. We have faith in our government’s ability to use its political leverage to bring aid into Gaza.”
Demands and Proposals
The hunger strikers have outlined actionable steps for the Jordanian government, urging measures such as halting trade with Israel, blocking Israeli-bound commercial trucks from transiting Jordanian territory, and leveraging Jordan’s diplomatic weight to push Israel to lift the blockade. They believe their protest strengthens the government’s position:
“This strike is a tool for our government to pressure Israel and the international community,” said Abu Ouda. “We are offering our health as leverage to save lives in Gaza.”
Gaza’s Dire Humanitarian Crisis
The demands of the Jordanian hunger strikers come amidst a catastrophic situation in Gaza, where Israel’s blockade has left northern areas in extreme distress.
Over 100,000 civilians are trapped under siege, with hospitals bombed, healthcare workers targeted, and food supplies systematically cut off. The UN and humanitarian organizations have condemned these crimes as violations of international law.
The hunger strike coincides with reports of international solidarity. In New York City, American hunger strikers demonstrated outside the Jordanian consulate, urging Jordan to take decisive action.
Demonstrators called for an end to the genocide in Gaza and questioned Jordan’s commitment to protecting its own hunger strikers’ health and addressing their demands.
Despite widespread public and international support, the hunger strikers in Jordan have yet to receive an official response from the government. Nammas expressed frustration:
“We’ve sent letters to the Prime Minister and the National Center for Human Rights, but no official has engaged with us. We never imagined we’d reach day 18 without any acknowledgment.”*
The lack of official intervention has not deterred the strikers. Instead, it has fueled their determination to continue their protest and inspire broader movements.
“We will not stop advocating for Gaza,” Nammas affirmed. “This is just the beginning.”
Solidarity Beyond Borders
The strike has sparked widespread support from Jordanian communities, human rights organizations, and political activists. Groups such as the Islamic Action Front and the Anti-Zionism and Racism Association have provided logistical support to the strikers. In addition, solidarity messages from Gaza underline the impact of the movement:
“The people of Gaza know they are not alone,” said Namas. “Their messages remind us why we must keep fighting.”
* The interview with Rand Nammas was conducted on the 18th day of the hunger strike, while this report is being published on its 20th day. As of the time of publication, the hunger strikers had not received any official response to their demands.
