The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) calls for decisive action, such as suspending arms transfers to Israel, and the immediate cessation of hostilities to avert further atrocities, after six months of unparalleled hostilities in Gaza.
“The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached catastrophic levels, with nearly the entire population forcibly displaced and facing dire shortages of essential goods and services for survival,” said Jan Egeland, secretary general of NRC.
The urgency of the situation in Gaza cannot be overstated. More than one week after the UN Security Council demanded an immediate ceasefire, and despite additional provisional measures mandated by the International Court of Justice, there remains no tangible improvement in the situation for civilians on the ground.
Gaza has become one of the world’s most dangerous areas, with civilians and aid workers facing unprecedented risks and indiscriminate attacks, that amount to gross and systemic violations of international law. Despite efforts to safeguard aid workers, humanitarian operations continue to come under attack, severely impeding the delivery of life-saving assistance as famine looms large.
“After six months of bloodshed, the UN Security Council must fulfill its responsibility to restore peace and security. It is beyond time for the international community to honor its commitments to prevent atrocity crimes and protect civilians. Six months after the heinous attack by Hamas, and after six months of Israel’s bloody military campaign with total disrespect for international laws, the fighting has to stop. NRC repeats its call for an immediate ceasefire and for all hostages to be released,” said Egeland.
“Finally, we see a glimmer of hope in the opening of border crossings, and the use of the port of Ashdod for essential supplies for the people of Gaza. Israel and its allies must ensure that aid can now flow freely to avert a famine and that there will be a protection system for humanitarian workers that guarantees our security. Most of all we need protection for Palestinian civilians, who have been indiscriminately killed during these last six months,” said Egeland.
The international community must take decisive action to ensure the implementation of a sustained ceasefire, the release of all hostages, and the protection of civilians in accordance with international law. NRC calls on the UN Security Council and all concerned states to consider measures, such as conditioning, suspending, or refusing arms transfers, that would be commensurate with the scale and severity of Israel’s unlawful actions.
