Khaberni - In an attempt to end one of the most pressing humanitarian crises, the Palestinian private sector is leading an escalating movement to address the Al-Karama Bridge crisis, which has worsened since the beginning of the war with Israel's reduction of the crossing's working hours.
Nassar Nassar, head of the General Union of Palestinian Industries and Secretary-General of the Coordinating Council for Private Sector Institutions, revealed that the council has started a series of escalative steps, beginning with a meeting with the Jordanian ambassador, during which the Al-Karama Bridge file was placed on the table, bringing up the daily suffering of Palestinians and violations that affect their dignity, alongside what he described as financial exploitation faced by travelers through companies on both sides known for VIP services.
According to Nassar, the Jordanian ambassador responded and promised to convey the problem to the officials in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.
Similarly, the Coordinating Council, according to Nassar, continued its coordination with the Prime Minister, Dr. Mohammed Mustafa, who provided full support and endorsed the steps of the council towards solving the Al-Karama Crossing issue by communicating with all parties.
Lawsuits in Israeli Courts
Nassar Nassar revealed that the Palestinian private sector is heading towards a legal battle in Israeli courts against the Israeli Airports Authority, the body responsible for managing border crossings, in a step aimed at breaking the severe crisis at Al-Karama Crossing.
He clarified that the goal is not only to extend working hours but also to reach a more radical demand represented in keeping the crossing open around the clock.
Communication with Israeli Businessmen
Nassar also disclosed that the Coordinating Council is also in contact with Israeli businessmen to pressure the official Israeli entities to resolve the Al-Karama Crossing issue and facilitate travel.
In a move with international dimensions, Nassar revealed that the private sector has intensified its communications with the European Union countries and is preparing to send official letters to the U.S. administration, in an attempt to rally international pressure on Israel to end the travel crossings crisis, and to open commercial crossings between Palestine and Jordan, including the Damia crossing closed by an Israeli decision.
Nassar appreciated the positions of the Jordanian House of Representatives, which initiated discussions about the suffering of travelers at the Al-Karama Bridge and highlighted the systematic exploitation by private travel companies.
He said: "We appeal to His Majesty the King for urgent intervention to resolve this crisis, put an end to the monopoly of the crossing and exploitation of travelers, and end a human suffering that cannot tolerate further delay."
