In a recent interview with CNN's Christiane Amanpour, Queen Rania of Jordan expressed her concern over what she called a "glaring double standard" in the Western world's response to the Israel-Hamas conflict. The Queen condemned the disparities in how the surprise attack by Hamas on Israel and the suffering of Palestinian civilians killed in Israel's reprisal airstrikes were being addressed.

Queen Rania spoke out against the world's condemnation of the brutal Hamas attack while seemingly ignoring the ongoing humanitarian crisis unfolding in real-time in Gaza. "Are we being told that it is wrong to kill a family, an entire family, at gunpoint, but it's OK to shell them to death?" she questioned. The Queen highlighted the Arab world's shock at the apparent double standard.

According to the Hamas-run Palestinian Health Ministry, over 5,700 Palestinians have lost their lives in the conflict, while more than 1,400 Israelis, mostly civilians attacked by Hamas on October 7, have been killed. Queen Rania criticized world leaders' reluctance to call for an immediate ceasefire, suggesting that their support for Israel made them complicit in the suffering.

She further criticized the biased narrative surrounding the conflict, asserting, "The Western media and policymakers are quick to adopt the Israeli narratives. When Israel attacks, Palestinians 'die,' but when Israelis die, they are 'killed,' murdered in cold blood."

While the United States has not yet backed a ceasefire, it has increased pressure on Israel to protect Palestinian civilians and consider "humanitarian pauses." The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, emphasized the need for Israel to take all possible precautions to avoid harm to civilians. He urged the facilitation of humanitarian aid and the ability for civilians to escape danger.

However, Israel has only permitted limited humanitarian aid to enter the Gaza Strip and has blocked the delivery of fuel, jeopardizing the operations of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees.

Since the October 7 attack by Hamas, which targeted civilians in towns and communities in Southern Israel and took hostages, Israel has vowed to impose a siege on Gaza and eliminate Hamas. The country is reportedly preparing for a ground invasion, causing concern from the United States.

Queen Rania pointed out that the conflict did not begin with the October 7 attack but has deep-rooted origins, including Israel's occupation. She also criticized the biased media coverage, stating, "Most networks are covering the story under the title of 'Israel at war.' But for many Palestinians on the other side of the separation wall, on the other side of the barbed wire, war has never left."

The Queen emphasized that this conflict is part of a 75-year-old story, characterized by immense death and displacement for the Palestinian people. Her remarks shed light on the need for a balanced approach and meaningful action from Western leaders to address the ongoing crisis in the region.