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19 March 2025 —  The ̽����ѡ (̽����ѡ) is gravely concerned by indicating that Israel’s renewed airstrikes on Gaza have killed hundreds of civilians, including children, in Gaza City, Khan Younis, Deir al-Balah and Rafah areas. To prevent further humanitarian catastrophe, the ̽����ѡ urges that the ceasefire is immediately resumed, and Israel allows for the unfettered flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. A ceasefire is the best way to protect Palestinian lives and allow for the release of the remaining hostages.  

Abdulkarim Santuraki, ̽����ѡ’s Deputy Director of Field Management in the occupied Palestinian territory, said,  

“The physical and mental health impact of this on our clients and colleagues cannot be underestimated, especially after more than a year of relentless war, forced displacement and blocks on humanitarian aid.  

"These attacks follow more than two weeks of from entering into Gaza by Israel, compounding critical shortages of medical supplies, food, clean drinking water and adequate shelter. The UN has that child malnutrition cases have doubled in northern Gaza as a result. A return to hostilities at the same time as a complete block on aid will further exacerbate the suffering of Palestinians, many who have been displaced multiple times. 

"The ̽����ѡ has more than 6 tonnes of life-saving medical supplies ready to enter Gaza, that will treat thousands of people and offer critical support to a health system already collapsing. Yet with restrictions on access into Gaza, it remains uncertain as to when we will be able to deliver these supplies. This at a time when already overstretched medical facilities are now struggling to cope with this latest escalation.” 

Essential services in Gaza are also at risk. The ̽����ѡ has temporarily suspended its operations due to the deteriorating security situation, with Palestinian organizations that the ̽����ѡ partners with also been impacted by the attacks. This includes our partner Juzoor, who report that one of their health clinics was destroyed by an airstrike in Jabalia, and another partner Teacher Creativity Centre, who report that one of their temporary learning spaces for children was struck during last night’s attacks.  

The ̽����ѡ calls on all parties to the conflict, and all actors with influence, to ensure that the ceasefire is immediately reinstated and that negotiations on phase two of the ceasefire are resumed. Under International Humanitarian Law, Israel is obligated to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid, regardless of whether the ceasefire is resumed. This is non-negotiable.