On 7 October 2023, Palestinian militant groups launched a major attack on Israel from the Gaza Strip. The attack included rocket barrages and vehicle-transported attacks across the border on Israeli communities and forces. In response, the government of Israel declared a state of emergency and war; The Israeli military retaliated by conducting a counteroffensive and an extensive aerial bombardment campaign on Gaza followed by an invasion.
This conflict created a short-term crisis for families from Gaza Strip, as many of the Gazans who were visiting Jordan, families and students, were severely affected and got stuck due to the borders closure into Gaza and were not able to return. Thus, forcing them to stay in Jordan with no source of income and having to cover their own survival needs in Jordan such as paying rent, securing their basic daily needs (food, non-food, medications), and students who are already studying at the Jordanian universities lost all financial support to continue their studies Adding to this, the context created a negative impact on psychological wellbeing of these people who were stuck in Jordan resulting a sense of helplessness, stress, and insecurity.
There is no ceasefire in sight and therefore the situation of Gaza families and students is expected to continue at least for three from the time a ceasefire is reached.
ACT Jordan Forum member DSPR is planning to support around 1,230 most vulnerable people directly affected by the current conflict with MPCA, shelter and MHPSS.
