More than 100 aid groups warn ‘mass starvation’ spreading across Gaza
Humanitarian crisis deepens as aid workers themselves suffer acute food shortages amid Israel’s blockade
More than 100 aid organisations warned on Wednesday that “mass starvation” was spreading in Gaza ahead of the US top envoy’s visit to Europe for talks on a possible ceasefire and an aid corridor.
Israel is facing mounting international pressure over the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Palestinian territory, where more than two million people face severe shortages of food and other essentials after 21 months of conflict, triggered by Hamas’ attack on Israel.
The UN said on Tuesday that Israeli forces had killed more than 1,000 Palestinians trying to get food aid since the US - and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation started operations in late May - effectively sidelining the existing UN-led system.
A statement with 111 signatories, including Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF), Save the Children and Oxfam, warned that “our colleagues and those we serve are wasting away”.
The groups called for an immediate negotiated ceasefire, the opening of all land crossings and the free flow of aid through UN-led mechanisms.