People are dying trying to get food in Gaza: CAFOD calls for immediate safe access of aid

Queues for small amounts of water take hours. Any food hard to find. Photo by Emad El Byed on Unsplash

CAFOD has condemned the Israeli military's approach to aid delivery in Gaza, warning that the humanitarian situation is catastrophic and worsening by the day and calls for immediate, unfettered access of aid, at scale. The UN reported on Tuesday that more than 400 Palestinians have been killed by the Israeli military while trying to collect food from controversial (GHF) aid hubs in Gaza since they started operating one month ago, with reports that numbers have increased in the last two days. UN human rights office spokesperson Thameen Al-Keetan stated that "the weaponization of food for civilians, in addition to restricting or preventing their access to life-sustaining services, constitutes a war crime."

Elizabeth Funnell, CAFOD's Representative for the Middle East, said: "The sheer number of people being killed while trying to access humanitarian aid in the last month is unconscionable. This is not aid - it is a deadly trap.

"The reports of hundreds of people being shot, injured and killed whilst trying to access humanitarian assistance from highly militarised, US and Israeli-run distribution sites are horrifying. CAFOD condemns this approach to the delivery of aid, it defies humanitarian principles and may violate international Law.

"We need the immediate, unfettered access of aid, at scale. Our demand is clear: reopen safe, proven channels now. There is aid at the border ready to go - this suffering is entirely preventable. The UK government must urgently use all diplomatic leverage to ensure the entry of aid.

"The humanitarian situation is deteriorating daily. CAFOD partners continue to delivery life-saving aid and remain ready to scale up as soon as possible to reach those in need."

CAFOD partner, Caritas Jerusalem said: "People in Gaza continue to be denied access to essential services, are suffering from hunger and are left in despair, facing the cruel choice of either starving to death or risking being killed while trying to get food.

"The unlawful blocking of access of a large majority of professional humanitarian organisations and the militarisation of aid have created a calamitous, desperate and unacceptable humanitarian situation.

"Words of condemnation alone are not enough to save lives or to feed people dying of hunger. People need more than just rhetoric and empty promises."

"Our teams are trained, prepared, and committed - responding under fire, yet full of resolve. We will continue adapting, responding, and serving. Because we are Caritas. Because love never fails"

CAFOD partners on the ground report dire shortages of food, clean water, and vital medical supplies. Caritas Jerusalem has only a few months' worth of medicines left and is working urgently to secure more, though the situation remains critical. CAFOD's partners in Gaza are urging people to not take children and young people to the crowded aid distribution sites.

Despite the challenges CAFOD partners are continuing to provide support, including through medical help, meals for displaced families in shelters and recreational activities for children.

LINK
CAFOD: www.cafod.org.uk