“The blockade of survival aid in the Gaza Strip, which has lasted for more than two months, violates international humanitarian law to its core,” says Secretary General Mathias Mogge
Bonn/Berlin, 12th May 2025. Welthungerhilfe appeals to the new German Government to unequivocally demand compliance with international humanitarian law by all parties to the conflict. Around two million people in the Gaza Strip have been cut off from all humanitarian aid for more than two months and are struggling to survive on a daily basis. 1.9 million people face acute food insecurity.
“The blockade of survival aid in the Gaza Strip, which has lasted for more than two months, violates international humanitarian law to its core. Food, fuel and medical supplies are scarce, and hunger is worsening by the day. Until the end of April, our local partners were able to drive the last tankers of drinking water to shelters for displaced people. Now there is no more fuel to keep this lifeline going. Pregnant women and small children can still be examined in the health centers, but there is a lack of medicines to treat them. It is unbearable to see people on the brink of starvation while hundreds of lorries with urgently needed supplies are stuck at the border,” says Mathias Mogge, Secretary General of Welthungerhilfe, describing the dramatic situation.
Welthungerhilfe is very concerned about the new plans for the distribution of aid supplies in the Gaza Strip. “The principles of neutrality, humanity, impartiality and independence must also serve as the basis for the future support of the civilian population - as prescribed by international humanitarian law. During upcoming talks and visits to Israel the German government should ensure that humanitarian aid reaches the people in the Gaza Strip immediately and directly, regardless of political circumstances,” stressed Mogge.
Welthungerhilfe strongly condemns the brutal Hamas attack on 7 October and calls for the immediate release of all remaining hostages. At the same time, it demands a lasting ceasefire, the protection of the civilian population and humanitarian aid workers, as well as safe and unhindered access to the necessary aid by the fastest possible means. In their work, Welthungerhilfe and its partners strictly adhere to the humanitarian principles of neutrality, humanity, impartiality and independence.
Welthungerhilfe is one of the largest private aid organizations in Germany; it is politically independent and non-denominational. With courage and determination, it is striving for a world without hunger. Since it was founded on December 14, 1962, 12,128 overseas projects in about 72 countries have been supported with 5.07 billion euros. Welthungerhilfe follows the principle of empowering people to help themselves to sustainably improve their living conditions, offering everything from fast disaster relief to reconstruction and long-term development cooperation projects with national and international partner organizations.