400 agencies unite in plea to protect civilians, aid staff in Gaza

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: News websites
20 Aug 2024 12:02

In the joint letter, at least 413 humanitarian and aid groups have emphasized that civilians and aid workers have become the primary casualties in Gaza and other ongoing wars globally.

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A paramedic carries a Palestinian child wounded during Israeli bombardment to the emergency ward at the Naser Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, July 9, 2024. (AFP)

Over 400 humanitarian organizations have addressed a letter to the UN General Assembly, urging the protection of civilians and aid workers amid "Israel's" ongoing air and artillery assaults on Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip.

In the joint letter, at least 413 humanitarian and aid groups emphasized that civilians and aid workers have become the primary casualties in Gaza and other ongoing wars globally.

“The brutal hostilities we are seeing in multiple conflicts around the world have exposed a terrible truth: We are living in an era of impunity,” they wrote. “This status quo is shameful and cannot continue.”

The letter also noted that fatalities among humanitarian workers doubled in 2023 compared to the previous year, with 2024's toll already being described as "staggering".

"We will continue to stay & deliver in humanitarian crises around the world-but the situation requires us to take a united stand"#IASC Principals & 413 #humanitarian organizations call for the protection of civilians, incl. their staff #ActForHumanity👉https://t.co/4GMxnakiEo pic.twitter.com/5PGtf3mvsz
— Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) (@iascch) August 19, 2024

It is worth noting that the UN agency for Palestinian refugees has lately reported that the death toll among its staff since the beginning of the Israeli regime's ongoing assault on Gaza is the highest in the organization's history. Since Oct. 7, at least 207 UNRWA employees have been killed. Additionally, "Israel" has repeatedly targeted Gaza’s schools, hospitals, universities, and other civilian infrastructure.

War on Gaza among bloodiest in 21st century: Haaretz

A recent investigation by the Israeli Haaretz newspaper has depicted the ongoing Israeli war on Gaza as one of the "bloodiest" in the 21st century.

The report states that tens of thousands of Palestinians have lost their lives, many in areas previously marked as “safe” by the Israeli military.

The newspaper also criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for accusing the international community of hypocrisy regarding the war on Gaza, while claiming it overlooks other global conflicts and humanitarian crises. For instance, in January, Netanyahu questioned, “Where was South Africa when millions were killed or expelled from their homes in Syria and Yemen?”

“But a cold examination of the numbers killed in the Gaza Strip reveals this is one of the bloodiest wars since the beginning of the century, especially if you examine the rate of mortality out of the total population,” the report stressed.

Haaretz highlighted that the war on Gaza has led to an exceptionally high death toll, with around 40,000 Palestinians killed since the war began on October 7 of last year. This number represents roughly 2% of Gaza's population of two million.

'Israel' killed civilians in designated 'safe' areas

Despite the Israeli army designating certain areas in Gaza as "safe zones", Haaretz reported that many residents have been displaced to these areas only to face continued danger.

The Israeli forces have frequently targeted these supposed "safe zones" where displaced civilians had gathered, resulting in hundreds of deaths, including women and children.

The report also noted that international organizations and media outlets have consistently corroborated the casualty figures provided by Gaza's Ministry of Health. As of Wednesday, the ministry reported nearly 40,000 Palestinian killings, over 92,000 injuries, and more than 10,000 people still missing under the rubble.

UN Special Rapporteur condemns US for neglecting Palestinian lives

In a related context, Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territories, sharply criticized a recent White House statement on X that used "Israel’s" security as a justification for ending the war on Gaza.

“40,000 ascertained casualties, yet the focus remains on Israel’s security, whatever that implies,” Francesca Albanese wrote on X, calling for an immediate ceasefire. “The disrespect for Palestinian life is disconcerting.”

It is worth noting that rights advocates have repeatedly criticized US President Joe Biden and other high-ranking officials for overlooking the suffering of Palestinians.