Caritas Europa calls for immediate end to violence in Gaza

Youssef (13) carrying bread for his family in Al Mawasi. Photo by UNICEF

Source: Caritas Europa, UNICEF

Eight months into the war in Gaza, Caritas Europa has called for an immediate ceasefire, release of all hostages and those arbitrarily detained, and delivery of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

The agency states:

Caritas Europa is deeply concerned about the continuation of violence in Gaza, including the recent attacks on Rafah and Nuseirat by Israel, which exacerbated an already dire humanitarian situation. Food distributions by UNRWA and other local organisations have been halted in Rafah due to lack of supplies and the closure of crossings, further deteriorating the situation of Palestinians in the region who are reliant on this humanitarian aid.

In addition to the Ministry of Health's estimate of at least 36,000 killed in Gaza since October, treatment of more than 3,000 children suffering from acute malnutrition is at risk of interruption if nutrition supplies are not distributed, UNICEF warns.

The situation in the West Bank is also of grave concern, with more than 500 Palestinians and 12 Israelis killed in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, since October, according to OCHA. Others face home demolitions, movement restrictions and loss of livelihoods.

We reiterate our urgent call for a ceasefire, for the release of hostages and those arbitrarily detained, and for the unhindered delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. We welcome the recent UN Security Council ceasefire resolution, which now requires implementation by both parties. To enable this, EU Member States must halt all arms transfers to Israel and we urge the EU to employ humanitarian diplomacy and any other necessary measures to ensure adherence to international humanitarian law to achieve a full and immediate ceasefire. In this respect, we also welcome the first steps towards a review of the EU-Israel Association Agreement.

Caritas Europa also welcomes the resumption of funding to UNRWA by several EU Member States, given the reliance of the population on this essential lifeline. It is imperative that humanitarian access is guaranteed by Israel, along with the full support of UNRWA, to ensure the provision of essential aid and services to those in need. To facilitate humanitarian access, however, Israel must reopen border crossings as they are the safest and most efficient method of delivering food, fuel and medical supplies to trusted humanitarian organisations.

The safety of humanitarian workers and civilians must be ensured by both parties. The ongoing violence and obstruction of humanitarian efforts must end to prevent further suffering and unnecessary civilian deaths.