London, May 2, 2024 — Denisa Delić, International Rescue Committee UK Advocacy Director, said:
“Israel’s ceaseless bombardment of Gaza is the most intense use of explosive weapons in a densely populated area this century. This, alongside the siege, has created an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, rendering Gaza nearly uninhabitable and depriving almost all of the population – millions of people – of essential food, clean water, and healthcare for six months. An estimated 45,000 bombs were dropped on Gaza’s population in the first 89 days of conflict alone and since October 7th 2023, over 34,000 Palestinians have been killed, including by bombings and sniper fire, while over 12,000 children have suffered injuries – many life-altering.
“Relentless Israeli bombardment has also severely inhibited the ability of humanitarian actors to provide lifesaving aid to Palestinians in desperate need in Gaza. In January, a near-fatal airstrike on a residential compound, where International Rescue Committee (IRC) and Medical Aid for Palestinian (MAP) humanitarian staff were resting, was fired by the Israeli military from an F16 jet, manufactured in the US using parts supplied by the UK. This– and countless other attacks on aid workers – exemplifies the challenges that humanitarian organisations and their staff are facing in their attempts to deliver lifesaving medical assistance and other support.
“This Global Day of Action, IRC UK is joining over 250 organisations to urge the UK Government to immediately halt the transfer of weapons, parts and ammunition where there is a risk they may facilitate violations of international humanitarian law. In addition, the UK Government must leverage all its influence to achieve an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and secure the release of all hostages.”