“As Ramadan begins, coinciding with the end of the first phase of the ceasefire in Gaza, we are deeply concerned about the closing of all border crossings, preventing all possibility of critically needed humanitarian supplies from entering the Strip.“The past few weeks of respite in the fighting have allowed for more aid than ever to cross into Gaza since October 2023. It is progress that must not be wasted.
“As of 19 January, Relief International in the occupied Palestinian territory, with the support of its partners on the ground and its donors – the European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations and the READ Foundation – was immediately able to scale up its efforts. We were finally able to unlock deliveries and services that were extremely challenging to bring to fruition when the fighting was raging and aid was trickling in, especially for the northern governorates.
“Specifically, we were able to receive five shipments of critical goods, including nutritional supplements to save the lives of malnourished babies, blankets and clothes to prevent children from dying of hypothermia, hospital beds for maternity and surgical care, and much more. Much of what was delivered went to our partner Al-Awda’s hospitals in Jabalia and Nuseirat, which Relief International supports, and have been in critical need following months of besiegement and bombardment.
“These are only some examples of how very vital each item that we managed to bring into Gaza is. But they were only a drop in the ocean of what is needed. Against a background of total loss and destruction, the humanitarian supplies that cross into the Strip are lifelines and, as such, they are a right, protected by international humanitarian law, UN Security Council resolutions and the recent rulings of the International Court of Justice.
“We call on all people with influence to advocate for the reopening of all entry points into Gaza.”
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 15 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.