Jerusalem, 14 October 2023 (TDI): In a powerful display of solidarity and shared humanitarian values, several prominent international non-governmental organizations (INGOs) have strongly condemned the ongoing crisis in Israel and Gaza.
On October 7, Hamas launched an attack on Israel, firing thousands of missiles, resulting in over 1,200 casualties.
In response, Israel declared all-out war, leading to massive airstrikes in Gaza, and destroying residential buildings and medical facilities.
The death toll in Gaza reached 1,799, leaving 6,388 wounded, with 2.3 million residents trapped in a war zone, facing dire conditions and unfathomable suffering.
UN Country Team in Palestine
The United Nations (UN) in Palestine urged Israel to revoke its directive for UN agencies and Gazans to relocate without safety guarantees.
Palestinian civilians, including women and children, face terror, injuries, and trauma, leading to a preventable humanitarian tragedy.
This move follows 1,800 Palestinian deaths from Israeli airstrikes, infrastructure destruction, and a siege depriving people of essentials. Mass displacement endangers the sick and wounded, risking a health crisis amid collapsing healthcare.
Martin Griffiths, the Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, strongly criticized the order to evacuate 1.1 million people from northern Gaza, stating that it goes against the principles of warfare and basic humanity.
International Rescue Committee (IRC)
The International Rescue Committee (IRC) emphasizes the urgent need for safeguarding civilians and ensuring strict adherence to International Humanitarian Law amid ongoing conflicts.
International humanitarian law mandates access to humanitarian aid for civilians, with occupying powers responsible for their survival. The siege must end, hostages released, and human lives should never be used as bargaining tools.
David Miliband, CEO of the IRC, emphasized the importance of upholding the Laws of War and International Humanitarian Law to protect civilians in conflicts, highlighting their fundamental role in humanitarian efforts.
World Health Organization (WHO)
According to a report from WHO in Palestine, the evacuation of two hospitals in Gaza is currently underway. However, hospitals in the southern region lack the capacity to accommodate more patients.
Moreover, in a troubling development, Israel has issued a mere two-hour ultimatum to Al Awda Hospital for evacuation.
Despite this imminent threat, our dedicated staff members are persistently providing medical care to patients within the limited time frame.
In a statement, the Director General of WHO, Tedros A. Ghebreyesus, expressed deep sorrow over the forceful, imminent, or ongoing evacuations of health workers and patients in hospitals in north Gaza.
He urgently appealed to the Israeli government to reconsider this decision and prevent a human tragedy from unfolding.
Also Read: UNICEF Chief Condemns Child Casualties in Israel-Palestine Crisis
Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
The OIC strongly denounced the continuous Israeli military attacks on Palestinians in Gaza, lasting for six days and resulting in the deaths of over 1,200 people.
The organization urges the international community to promptly intervene and halt all forms of Israeli aggression to prevent a severe humanitarian crisis.
