CrossFireArabia
This is a statement made by Jolien Veldwijk, CARE Palestine Country Director
The testimonies of our colleagues and partners, combined with the analysis of technical experts are clear – famine is happening in Gaza. Palestinians are suffering a manmade famine, caused by Israel’s siege and the deliberate obstruction of aid, and fueled by the inaction of world leaders. The haunting images of emaciated children are evidence of a failure of humanity to act. Using starvation as a weapon is a war crime under international humanitarian law.
More than 100 deaths from malnutrition have been recorded already. Sadly, we know this will accelerate in the coming days. It is already too late to save the lives of many of the most vulnerable, including the elderly, disabled and infants. Over 40% of pregnant and breastfeeding women are severely malnourished, while nearly one in five children under the age of five in Gaza City is acutely malnourished. Bringing people back from the brink of starvation requires specialized medical treatment, not just food and water. For many, especially children, the damage will be permanent.
After more than 20 months of political inaction, world leaders must finally take decisive action. We urge the international community to finally secure an immediate and lasting ceasefire, the release of hostages and arbitrarily detained people, and full, safe, unhindered, immediate and sustained access to principled humanitarian aid to all people in need in Gaza. Israeli authorities must end the siege on Gaza, immediately open all border crossings to let aid in and allow humanitarians to do our jobs safely.
For media inquiries, please email [email protected], or contact Sulafah Al-Shami, CARE’s Regional Communications Advisor, MENA, [email protected]
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