Red Cross: Humanitarian situation in Gaza is on verge of total collapse
Hisham Muhanna, spokesperson for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Gaza, confirmed that the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip is on the verge of total collapse due to the continued closure, the complete ban on the entry of aid, and the resumption of Israeli military operations.
In an exclusive interview with the Palestinian Safa News Agency on Wednesday, Muhanna said, "We have been warning for weeks about the consequences of reaching this stage, because the factors and environment in which we operate may make it impossible to achieve any positive or real humanitarian response that civilians in the Gaza Strip can sense, given the harsh reality they are experiencing."
He added, "We are closely monitoring the mechanism for bringing humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, as announced by the occupation authorities, after more than two months of closure and a complete ban on the entry of aid into Gaza."
He pointed out that the failure to bring in humanitarian aid has exacerbated the crisis, especially with the resumption and escalation of military operations in the Strip.
Muhanna continued, "We welcome any efforts that could end the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, but any delivery of humanitarian aid must be fully consistent with humanitarian principles that ensure non-discrimination between those who deserve it."
He pointed out that mechanisms existed throughout the Israeli war on Gaza, in which humanitarian actors, including the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), worked to deliver this aid to those who deserve it with complete transparency and independence.
Muhanna emphasized that Israel, as an occupying power, bears full responsibility under international humanitarian law for ensuring that all Palestinian civilians in Gaza receive their basic needs.
He added, "It is unacceptable to politicize humanitarian aid or use it as a form of political or military pressure."
Regarding the ICRC's efforts to address the worsening humanitarian situation, Muhanna said, "We have not ceased our direct dialogue with all parties, including the Israeli authorities, to reach an agreement that will alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and end the suffering of its residents."
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