In a joint statement issued by 19 aid groups, including civil society organizations from the UK, France, the US, and Switzerland, the groups expressed grave concerns that the intensifying conflict will further destabilize the region.
"This move will worsen the already dire humanitarian situation in the north, and has prevented international and national humanitarian organizations from carrying out already very limited life-saving aid operations," the statement read.
The statement emphasized that no part of Gaza is safe for civilians and called for unrestricted access for humanitarian actors to deliver aid amid ongoing military operations. UN humanitarian officials have also reported deteriorating conditions in northern Gaza, where over 400,000 Palestinians are facing evacuation orders amidst Israeli airstrikes and ground incursions.
The aid organizations further criticized Israel's displacement orders, which have forced civilians to flee through dangerous routes to already overcrowded southern areas, compounding the crisis.
In their statement, the signatories called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the protection of civilians, and the scaling up of humanitarian aid to Gaza.
The joint statement was signed by several international humanitarian organizations, including:
- ActionAid
- Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC)
- War Child
- Médecins du Monde France, Spain, and Switzerland
- HelpAge International
- American Friends Service Committee (AFSC)
- Terre des Hommes Italia
- Danish Refugee Council (DRC)
- Norwegian People’s Aid (NPA)
- Humanity & Inclusion/Handicap International (HI)
- Middle East Children’s Alliance (MECA)
- Save the Children
- CARE International
- Islamic Relief
- Plan International
- Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP)
- Oxfam
- Premiere Urgence Internationale
- Gender Action for Peace and Security (GAPS)
These organizations urged the international community to act swiftly to prevent further suffering in Gaza and to ensure the protection of civilians in the region. (ILKHA)