Tel aviv: Over 100 aid organizations have issued an urgent appeal for global governments to take immediate action to end the Israeli siege on the Gaza Strip and restore full humanitarian access amid severe famine conditions in the region.
According to Anadolu Agency, the appeal was shared by Save the Children, a UK-based NGO, emphasizing the dire situation faced by the residents of Gaza. The representative of one of the 109 signatories stated, "Each morning, the same question echoes across Gaza: will I eat today?" This highlights the acute food insecurity experienced by over two million people trapped under what is described as a 'total siege.'
Two months after the Israeli government-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation began aid operations, humanitarian groups report that access remains critically restricted. Despite the presence of tons of food, water, medical supplies, and fuel in warehouses, including some within Gaza, aid is not reaching those in need. The joint statement released by these organizations notes, "The UN-led humanitarian system has not failed. It has been prevented from functioning."
The organizations demand the immediate opening of all land crossings and the establishment of a principled and permanent ceasefire. They highlight the inadequacy of current aid convoys, which average just 28 trucks per day, far below the 500 to 600 trucks required daily to meet Gaza's minimum needs. The statement criticizes 'piecemeal arrangements' like airdrops and temporary corridors, describing them as symbolic gestures that distract from the lack of political action.
In a bold move, the coalition urges states to consider halting the transfer of weapons to pressure Israel into ending its blockade. "Governments must stop waiting for permission to act," the organizations assert. "States can and must save lives - before there are none left to save."
Recently, the Gaza Health Ministry reported ten more deaths due to starvation and malnutrition, bringing the death toll since October 2023 to 111. Since March 2, Israel has stalled on a ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal with Hamas, keeping Gaza's border crossings closed and aid trucks stranded. The ongoing military campaign has resulted in over 59,100 Palestinian deaths, predominantly women and children, collapsing Gaza's health system and leading to acute food shortages.
In related international actions, the International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Additionally, Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice related to its actions in the enclave.