Israel’s total blockade of humanitarian aid to Gaza is a cruel act of collective punishment and a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law. After 15 months of Israel’s military assault, the consequences will be catastrophic – diseases are spreading, and babies are already dying from hypothermia due to a lack of shelter and a dismantled health system. It will only deepen the humanitarian crisis for two million people, stripping them of the last meagre lifeline that had reached them during the temporary ceasefire. It also threatens to destroy any hope of progress toward a permanent ceasefire.
A year ago, the International Court of Justice ordered measures to prevent genocide in Gaza, but by again blocking aid Israel continues to violate them. Its return to ‘total siege’ should be resolutely condemned by the international community, including the UK government, which must now take immediate action to ensure aid access is fully restored and international law is enforced.
The UK must not be an ally to atrocities.
Fikr Shalltoot, MAP’s Gaza Director, has said: “As Ramadan begins, Palestinians are holding onto hope for a permanent ceasefire. Now, Israel’s cruel decision to reinstate a total blockade on aid threatens to undo it all – plunging people back into despair, starvation, and fear. I am devastated for Palestinians in Gaza who, after 15 months of Israel’s military bombardment, finally had a brief respite during the temporary ceasefire. People who had endured unimaginable suffering began to reclaim a sense of life, even as they mourned their losses.”
Mohammed Alkhatib , MAP’s Deputy Director of Programmes in Gaza, has said, “It is a continuation of the mockery of humanity, and double standards towards the civilian population of the Gaza Strip, and the world is still standing by watching.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
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About Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP)
Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP) works for a future where every Palestinian has access to a comprehensive, effective and locally-led system of healthcare, and the full realisation of their rights to health and dignity.
MAP’s local team in Gaza were among the first to respond to the current emergency and remain one of the only international organisations working to provide humanitarian and medical services, including in the north.
Since Israel's military bombardment and complete closure of Gaza began, the health system has all but collapsed. In that time we've delivered some $12 million USD worth of aid to Gaza.