Since March 2, Gaza has been under a complete Israeli blockade, which means no food, water, medical supplies or any other gaza aid have entered. The 2.2 million people of Gaza, most of whom have been displaced, are on the brink of starvation as trucks carrying vital supplies are queued up at the borders.
The ceasefire lasted for only 42 days before the resumption of hostilities and renewed Israeli airstrikes. Israel’s Prime Minister has announced plans to expand their military offensive, calling up tens of thousands of reserves in a bid to increase pressure on Hamas.
Attacks on hospitals are a serious breach of international humanitarian law. The recent attack on the Al-Ahli Arab Baptist Hospital and Nasser hospital have left Gaza without a functional hospital.
Act for Peace is concerned by reports that healthcare in Gaza is also facing a collapse due to the blockade of supplies. Health workers and health facilities should not be targeted. The immediate need for gaza aid, particularly food is urgent. According to the Health Ministry in Gaza, currently, 60,000 children in Gaza have malnutrition symptoms.
Act for Peace is also deeply concerned that Gaza’s polio vaccination campaign has been suspended, risking the resurgence of a disease that was once nearly eradicated.
Humanitarian Workers Under Fire and Gaza Aid Blocked
CEOs of major aid groups have issued a joint statement with an urgent plea to “let us do our jobs”. The entire population of Gaza now relies on humanitarian aid to survive, but humanitarian leaders warn the aid system is collapsing.
The statement comes after repeated attacks on humanitarian workers and health care workers and Israel’s blockade of supplies.
Since the conflict reignited in October 2023, over 400 aid workers and 1,300 health workers have been killed according to the UN. The recent killing of 15 Palestinian paramedics and rescue workers sparked global outrage when their bodies were found buried in a mass grave.
“The blockade on supplies must stop. Food, medicine and life-saving supplies must be allowed to enter Gaza.
“The terrible risks facing aid workers are devastating and must stop immediately.”
~ James Thompson, Senior Policy and Protection Advisor, Act for Peace.
Israel’s Security Cabinet has approved a mass mobilisation of army reservists ramp up its campaign against Hamas and to take control of more of Gaza. Residents fear Israel now wants to take their land and force them out of their homeland.
Too many children, civilians, aid workers and health workers have died in this conflict. Over 75% of Gaza’s housing has been reduced to rubble, along with hospitals, schools, universities, places of worship and sanitation, water, medical, and power supplies.
It's time to speak up
“The scale of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is unfathomable. With the Labor party securing another term in government, now is the time for Australians to speak up and call on our leaders to urgently press for unrestricted aid, an end to the conflict, and tangible progress toward a two-state solution.
Australia must continue to use its diplomatic influence to seek peace and protect humanitarian assistance.” .”
~ James Thompson, Senior Policy and Protection Advisor, Act for Peace.
We urge you to join us in saying “Enough is enough!” Use your voice to act for peace.
Act for Peace calls for all parties to return to ceasefire negotiations to move towards a secure and lasting peace.
We encourage our supporters to join us in calling on the Australian government to:
- Increase diplomatic efforts to end Israel’s blockade of Gaza and allow Gaza aid to resume
- Provide funding for vital medical supplies, including diagnostic equipment
- Support international efforts to plan for an inclusive reconstruction process
- Support a path to peace which respects the rights of Palestinians and Israelis to live in a secure and sovereign state
- Ensure the Palestinian peoples have a say in the future governance arrangements of Gaza
- The release of Israeli hostages and Palestinians detained without trial.
You can also donate to our Middle East Appeal to help equip local organisations to provide life-saving emergency assistance.
