Gaza is in the throes of a humanitarian catastrophe as the Palestinian resistance movement Hamas warns of an impending famine due to Israel’s continued blockade of aid for the 10th consecutive day.
In a statement on Tuesday, Hamas said that the closure of crossings and the restriction of essential supplies have exacerbated the suffering of over two million Palestinians in Gaza, with food prices soaring and medical supplies running critically low.
Hamas also condemned Israel for violating the ceasefire agreement, which mandates the unimpeded flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
The movement said the blockade was a breach of international humanitarian law and the Geneva Conventions, labeling it a war crime and a form of collective punishment against civilians.
The blockade has also hindered recovery efforts, as heavy machinery and relief supplies are unable to enter, leaving bodies trapped under rubble and reconstruction efforts stalled, Hamas added.
Hamas has called on international mediators to pressure Israel to reopen Gaza’s crossings and adhere to its commitments under the ceasefire agreement.
The movement also condemned the use of aid as a political tool, vowing that such tactics will not weaken the resolve of the Palestinian people in their struggle for their legitimate rights.
Meanwhile, Philippe Lazzarini, commissioner-general of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA), echoed these concerns, saying that the humanitarian situation in Gaza is deteriorating rapidly.
He described the Israeli blockade as a “weaponisation of humanitarian aid,” emphasizing the urgent need to resume aid deliveries to prevent a return to the severe hunger and deprivation experienced before the recent ceasefire.
3266**4353
Your Comment