CrossFireArabia
By Deepmala Mahla
It has been close to a week since Israel’s extremely concerning March 2 decision to stop aid from entering Gaza – a decision that is having dire consequences for a population who have already endured 15 months of unimaginable suffering.
Trucks stocked with CARE food parcels, medical supplies, and shelter items – which were scheduled to arrive over the next weeks – are not reaching Gaza.
Meanwhile, our current supply of medical provisions will allow us to be fully operational for one month only, after which we will be forced to scale back our medical services. Our ability to supply our local partners will also be impacted should the aid suspension continue.
Israel is required under international humanitarian law to facilitate access of aid into and across all areas of Gaza. CARE and all humanitarian actors call for compliance with this law wherever we work. It saves and protects the lives of women, children, and families in times of conflict – from Sudan to Syria. Humanitarian assistance for civilians such as food, medicine, and other life-saving supplies should not be withheld as a bargaining chip within a conflict.
Families are already living in makeshift shelters on the ruins of their homes and are still battling exposure to the basic elements of cold and hunger. It is critical that aid deliveries continue while a sustained cease fire is negotiated towards a lasting peace and the return of hostages.
The writer is the Chief Humanitarian Officer of CARE International
