‘Humanity Abandoned’… International Warning on Gaza Situation After 6 Months
Humanitarian organizations unanimously described the situation in Gaza as “more than catastrophic” after 6 months of war.
The war broke out on October 7th with an unprecedented attack by Hamas on southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of 33,000 Palestinians.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said that “6 months have been terribly difficult”, warning that “humanity has been abandoned”.
More than catastrophic
UN Humanitarian Affairs Coordinator Martin Griffiths emphasized on Saturday the need for “accountability for this betrayal of humanity”.
UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell pointed out that more than 13,000 children have been killed in the war, according to reports.
She said on the “X” platform last Saturday that homes, schools, and hospitals have been reduced to rubble, teachers, doctors, and humanitarian workers have been killed, confirming that famine is imminent.
She added that the level and speed of destruction are shocking, noting that children need an immediate halt to gunfire.
For his part, Jagan Chapagain, Secretary General of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, described the situation as “more than catastrophic”, warning that millions are at risk of famine.
He added that urgent and unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid to those in need must be ensured, emphasizing that this should not happen tomorrow but now.
Aid flow
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies said that 18 members of its network, including 15 employees and volunteers of the Palestinian Red Crescent, and 3 from the Magen David Adom organization, have been killed since October 7th.
Chapagain, on the “X” platform, said their deaths are devastating and unacceptable, stressing that the Federation does not take sides with any party, but with humanity only, affirming the need to ensure “unimpeded access to aid throughout the Gaza Strip”.
He called for the protection of civilians, humanitarian workers, and health facilities, as well as the unconditional release of all hostages.
The International Committee of the Red Cross said that the flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza is of vital importance, but it represents only part of the solution.
It added, on the “X” platform, that both sides must conduct their military operations in a way that avoids harm to civilians trapped in the conflict.
