JORDAN, Sept 26: Queen Rania Al Abdullah of Jordan has been closely monitoring the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, particularly due to her country's geographical proximity to Israel. In a recent interview with ABC News, she discussed the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the prospects for peace, and the role of global leaders, including the United States.

The conflict has escalated dramatically since the outbreak of hostilities on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel. This has resulted in over 41,000 Palestinian deaths, with a significant number being women and children. The situation in Gaza is dire, with reports indicating that it has suffered more explosives than several major cities during World War II combined. Queen Rania emphasized that this war has led to unprecedented civilian casualties and infrastructure destruction.

During her conversation with ABC News' Linsey Davis, Queen Rania criticized the international community for its perceived inaction regarding the humanitarian crisis. She argued that while Israeli suffering is often acknowledged and validated, Palestinian suffering is frequently normalized or justified. This disparity reflects a troubling double standard in global responses to conflict.

Queen Rania pointed out that the root cause of the violence lies in the illegal occupation of Palestinian territories. She stated that without a significant change in circumstances—rather than just a change in mindset—the cycle of violence will continue. The queen called for an immediate cease-fire and emphasized that military support from the U.S. to Israel exacerbates the situation rather than alleviating it.

In her remarks, Queen Rania highlighted the increasing violence in the West Bank, where Israeli military actions have led to heightened tensions and civilian casualties. She warned that Israel's approach appears to be an extension of its long-standing strategy of dominating the West Bank through expansionist settlement policies. The queen expressed concern over potential regional escalation, particularly involving Lebanon and Hezbollah, noting that recent violence has resulted in significant casualties.

The interview coincided with President Joe Biden's address at the U.N. General Assembly, where he discussed a proposed cease-fire and hostage deal involving Qatar and Egypt. Biden urged for a resolution that would secure peace for both Israelis and Palestinians through a two-state solution. He also acknowledged rising violence against Palestinians in the West Bank.

Queen Rania's insights reflect a deep concern for both Palestinian civilians suffering under bombardment and the broader implications of continued conflict in the region. She criticized the notion of using starvation as a weapon of war and questioned whether international law is being upheld consistently across different conflicts globally.

She urged world leaders to take decisive action rather than merely expressing concern or calling for cease-fires while continuing to provide arms that contribute to civilian casualties. The queen called for accountability and adherence to international law as foundational principles for any peace negotiations moving forward.

In conclusion, Queen Rania Al Abdullah's interview sheds light on the urgent need for a comprehensive peace deal that addresses both Israeli security concerns and Palestinian rights. Her advocacy for an immediate cease-fire and adherence to international law highlights her commitment to finding a path toward lasting peace in a region fraught with tension and suffering.