After eight weeks of respite, the world has once again woken up to news of heavy bombings and attacks across Gaza, carried out during the night, while people were sleeping, reportedly killing and injuring hundreds. New evacuation orders have also been issued by Israeli forces, pushing tens of thousands into yet another phase of forced displacement, terrifying uncertainty, and bare survival.
Relief International, which supports Al Awda’s hospitals in Jabalia (northern Gaza) and in Nuseirat (central Gaza) — thanks to funding from European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO) — has been receiving first-hand accounts: dozens of lifeless bodies and hundreds of injured people were brought to those two facilities alone, including many babies and children.
Several hospital staff members were killed or watched their family members be killed. The death toll continues to rise as more bodies are found in the rubble.
These attacks come after 17 days of complete blockade preventing any humanitarian supply from entering the Strip, and Relief International has been unable to bring in four health supply shipments since 2 March. Hospitals have exhausted their capacities and stocks. They simply do not have what is needed to respond adequately.
In addition, Relief International and its partner Al Awda association have made the difficult decision to temporarily suspend activities in the learning space it had established at the end of February for high schoolers because of the insecurity.
This sudden escalation of violence goes against International Humanitarian Law, which stipulates clearly that wars have rules and that attacks must be carried out in ways that protect civilian lives.
For a few weeks, the ceasefire gave a glimpse of what is possible when constructive efforts are made by all those directly involved in the hostilities and those with influence over them.
We call on all parties to the conflict and their allies to urgently enable a return to the phased ceasefire agreement and the immediate reopening of crossings for goods so that vital items can reach those who need it the most.
ENDS
About Relief International
Relief International is an international non-profit organization that partners with communities impacted by conflict, climate change and disaster to save lives, build greater resilience and promote long-term health and wellbeing. Our team of more than 7,000 staff and local volunteers work in 14 countries across Africa, Asia, and the Middle East, providing Health and Nutrition, WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene), Education and Livelihoods programming that creates the foundation for community resilience. We do this by working with local actors to develop safe and inclusive local programming that is evidence based, conflict sensitive, climate smart, and reaches those in need.