Prince Harry has delivered an urgent and emotional message in a rare television interview, calling for the immediate opening of food and medical aid corridors into Gaza. The Duke of Sussex made the plea during a whirlwind two-day trip to Jordan, where he highlighted the severe humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.
A Dire Humanitarian Situation
The Duke and Duchess of Sussex traveled to the Middle East at the invitation of Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the director-general of the World Health Organization. Their visit aimed to shed light on the tireless efforts to support the health and wellbeing of displaced Syrians and Palestinians who have sought refuge in Jordan over many decades.
As the trip concluded on Thursday, Prince Harry spoke exclusively to Channel 4 News, issuing a heartfelt appeal. "The aid corridors need to be opened and they are currently not," he stated emphatically. He emphasized the critical need for "full access for humanitarian organisations to be able to deliver that aid to the people that need it the most."
Focus on the Catastrophe
Reflecting on his time in Jordan, Harry described the visit as "a really important time for us to collaborate and come here and shine a light and focus on the very real humanitarian catastrophe that has happened and continues." He praised Jordan's "moral leadership" and its role as "a humanitarian hub for the Middle East," acknowledging the country's incredible work in the region.
Highlights of the Jordan Trip
Much of Harry and Meghan's itinerary centered on highlighting support for vulnerable communities affected by conflict and displacement. On the first day, they visited the Za'atari refugee camp, which provides temporary housing to tens of thousands of refugees. This visit underscored the ongoing challenges faced by those fleeing violence and instability.
Afterwards, the royal couple visited the Specialty Hospital in Amman, where they met 14-year-old Maria from Gaza, a burns victim with severe injuries to her right leg and foot. Meghan offered a comforting hand, smiling warmly as they connected with the young patient, illustrating the personal toll of the crisis.
Supporting Relief Efforts
On the second day, Harry and Meghan toured the headquarters of the World Central Kitchen, an organization that coordinates and deploys a million hot meals across Gaza daily. This group was the first philanthropic partnership established by the Sussexes through their Archewell foundation, and they remain active supporters.
During the visit, they engaged with relief coordinators, observing demonstrations of food supplies intended for emergency distribution. Monitoring screens displayed bakery production and distribution logistics, highlighting the vital role of the Amman hub in delivering daily sustenance to conflict-affected families.
Official Appreciation
Philip Hall, the British Ambassador to Jordan, expressed gratitude for the Sussexes' visit. On the first day of their trip, he said, "So I would simply say thank you very much indeed for coming. Your visit, your support, your appreciation of the efforts that the United Nations, including of course, the World Health Organisation, the government of Jordan and others, are making here is enormously appreciated. So thank you for coming."
Prince Harry's impassioned call from Jordan serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for international action to alleviate the suffering in Gaza, reinforcing his commitment to humanitarian causes on the global stage.
