More than 100 aid and rights groups issued a call to action on Wednesday, urging governments to intervene as hunger intensifies in Gaza. Their demands include an immediate and permanent ceasefire and the complete removal of restrictions hindering humanitarian aid delivery.
In a statement signed by 111 organizations, including Mercy Corps, the Norwegian Refugee Council, and Refugees International, the groups expressed grave concerns about widespread starvation across Gaza. They highlighted the paradox of tons of essential supplies like food, water, and medicine sitting idle just outside Gaza while humanitarian organizations are prevented from accessing and distributing them.
“With supplies now totally depleted, humanitarian organisations are witnessing their own colleagues and partners waste away before their eyes,” the organizations said.
“The Government of Israel’s restrictions, delays, and fragmentation under its total siege have created chaos, starvation, and death.”
The organizations urged governments to demand the removal of all bureaucratic obstacles and administrative restraints. They further called for the opening of all land crossings, guaranteed access to all areas within Gaza, the rejection of military-controlled distribution, and the restoration of a “principled, UN-led humanitarian response.”
“States must pursue concrete measures to end the siege, such as halting the transfer of weapons and ammunition.”
Israel, which controls all supplies entering Gaza, denies responsibility for food shortages.
Tragically, over 800 people have died in recent weeks while attempting to reach food aid, predominantly in mass shootings reportedly carried out by Israeli soldiers stationed near distribution centers managed by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. The foundation, supported by the United States, has faced strong criticism from humanitarian organizations, including the United Nations, regarding its neutrality.
Israeli forces have reportedly killed nearly 60,000 Palestinians through airstrikes, shelling, and shootings since initiating their offensive in Gaza. This offensive was launched in response to attacks by the Hamas group on Israel in October 2023, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people and the capture of 251 hostages.
Palestinian officials report that, for the first time since the war began, dozens are now also dying from starvation.
Gaza’s food reserves have been depleted since Israel initially cut off all supplies to the territory in March. Although the blockade was lifted in May, Israel implemented new measures, citing the need to prevent aid diversion to militant groups.
The Norwegian Refugee Council informed Reuters on Tuesday that its aid supplies in Gaza are completely exhausted, with some staff members now facing starvation. The organization accused Israel of effectively paralyzing its operations.
