Blocking aid into Gaza will devastate families already struggling to survive, warns CAFOD

Photo by Mohammed Ibrahim on Unsplash

Source: CAFOD

In response to the Israeli government's decision to block all humanitarian aid into Gaza, as Ramadan begins, Elizabeth Funnell, CAFOD's Country Programme Representative for the Middle East said:

"The shocking decision to block aid into Gaza will have a devastating impact on families already struggling to survive - and will cost lives.

"The humanitarian needs in Gaza are staggering, 2.2 million people are in desperate need of food, water and other essentials.

The aid that has been getting into Gaza during many long months of war has been nowhere near enough to meet the overwhelming needs of the population. This latest block on aid will jeopardise any progress that has been made in the delivery of healthcare, shelter and education since the start of the ceasefire and leaves the entire population at greater risk of hunger, disease and loss of life.

"Our partners in Gaza told us that prices in the market have already soared. They are relieved that they bought food before the aid was stopped as the price of chicken is four times higher now.

"Ensuring the entry of aid is essential for meeting immediate and desperate humanitarian needs, is not only an essential component of the ceasefire deal but also a legal obligation under international humanitarian law.

"We call on the international community to uphold international law and act urgently to ensure the delivery of aid into Gaza."

LINKS

CAFOD: https://cafod.org.uk/