MCI statement on the Gaza humanitarian situation
We are outraged by the disastrous and deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza since the ending of the first ceasefire and the resumption of the Israeli military offensive and air strikes on 18th March.
Gazan families are now running out of food, clean water and medical supplies to the extent that many families are unable to secure one meal each day. This is because the Israeli government has imposed a blockade of essential supplies entering Gaza at the Rafah and other crossings going back over many weeks.
We call on Israel to fully open the border crossings into Gaza to allow an unimpeded flow of humanitarian food, fuel, medical and water supplies for all civilians. This should also include unblocking the supply of tents to replace the various forms of shelter damaged during the recent military operations. We seek the support of the Irish and British governments to use all their moral and legal power to persuade Israel to open the Rafah crossing so as to prevent famine and the loss of life.
We are also concerned about how IDF forces on the ground are endangering the lives of frontline humanitarian workers and hindering the distribution of essential food supplies.
It is essential that there must be a complete ceasefire, to prevent further suffering, loss of life and destruction of whatever infrastructure is left in Gaza.
We pray that those involved in international mediation and diplomacy will double their efforts to renew the ceasefire in Gaza between Israel and Hamas so there can be the full return of hostages and Palestinian detainees. This needs to include substantial progress to implement the agreed second stage of the ceasefire.