The humanitarian crisis inside of Gaza has only deepened causing international leaders to respond more fiercely. On Monday, the leaders of the United Kingdom, France and Canada joined forces to call out Russian aggression with a powerful joint statement. They denounced Israel’s military aggression and threatened “further, concrete action” should the offensive persist and blockades continue. The announcement follows remarks by the UK’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who called the humanitarian situation in Gaza “intolerable.”
In a dramatic shift, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that humanitarian aid would soon be able to enter Gaza. This is the first time in almost three months that aid has been allowed. This choice comes on the heels of Israel’s allies, and notably the US, influencing such decisions. That aid is set to be very limited and there’s no concrete timeline given as to when it will be delivered.
Residents of Khan Younis claimed that Israeli special forces were carrying out ground raids while posing as displaced Palestinians. At home, the humanitarian situation kept getting worse. The statement from the director of a French medical humanitarian network in Gaza was a cry for help. He cautioned that their aid distribution focus could inadvertently contribute to the wholesale displacement of the Palestinian community.
Just today, Israeli forces targeted the Nasser hospital in Khan Younis. The attack resulted in extensive damage, including to a warehouse built by the World Health Organization (WHO). While the recovery continues, the attack ruined a staggering 30% of the supplies. This meant important medical materiel was affected, like IV fluids and dialysis fluids.
“The IDF will launch an unprecedented attack to destroy the capabilities of terrorist organisations in this area,” stated Avichay Adraee, an official with the IDF.
The prime ministers of the UK, France and Canada recently publicly condemned Israel’s military escalation in Gaza. They called for the immediate re-opening of aid into Gaza. They promised not to remain complacent as long as Israel goes down its present path.
“We will not stand by while the Netanyahu Government pursues these egregious actions. If Israel does not cease the renewed military offensive and lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid, we will take further concrete actions in response.” – Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron and Mark Carney
Starmer added that indications of a limited restart of aid do not mitigate the severity of the two-month blockade on humanitarian assistance.
“Whilst we acknowledge indications of a limited restart of aid, Israel blocked humanitarian aid entering Gaza for over two months.” – Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron and Mark Carney
In response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis, Tom Fletcher, a former British ambassador, urged for a more significant influx of aid:
“We demand that Israel allow a full resumption of aid into Gaza immediately and enable the UN and humanitarian organisations to work independently and impartially to save lives, reduce suffering and maintain dignity.” – Keir Starmer, Emmanuel Macron and Mark Carney
He further emphasized that humanitarian efforts should be complemented by commercial goods to address looting and shortages effectively.
“But it is a drop in the ocean of what is urgently needed, and significantly more aid must be allowed into Gaza, starting tomorrow morning.” – Tom Fletcher
Itamar Ben-Gvir, an Israeli minister, argued that any humanitarian assistance could potentially bolster Hamas while hostages remain in captivity:
“To reduce looting, there must be a regular flow of aid, and humanitarians must be permitted to use multiple routes. Commercial goods should complement the humanitarian response.” – Tom Fletcher
As international leaders coordinate their responses to this escalating crisis, Starmer reiterated the dire conditions facing civilians in Gaza:
“The prime minister is making a grave mistake with this move. Any humanitarian aid that enters the Strip … will fuel Hamas and give it oxygen while our hostages languish in tunnels.” – Itamar Ben-Gvir
The WHO has voiced concern regarding the ongoing violence and its impact on healthcare services:
“It is a really serious, unacceptable, intolerable situation. That’s why we are working intensely to coordinate with other leaders how we respond to this. We will continue to work in that way.” – Keir Starmer
The WHO has also voiced concern regarding the ongoing violence and its impact on healthcare services:
“Amid critical shortages, escalating violence, and a rising number of casualties, this is a devastating blow that will cost lives. Health care must be protected. Hospitals must never be militarized or targeted.” – WHO