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As global leaders convene in New York for the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, the specter of escalating regional conflict casts a shadow over discussions. We reiterate our urgent call to halt the devastating humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.
We grieve for all innocent lives lost, particularly those who perished on October 7 and during the subsequent eleven months of ongoing violence.
An immediate, unconditional ceasefire is imperative; it is the sole path to alleviating civilian suffering and preserving lives.
All hostages and individuals held without due process must be released without delay or conditions.
Humanitarian workers require safe and unrestricted access to assist those in dire need.
The overwhelming demand for aid amidst persistent violence hampers our efforts. Reports indicate that over 41,000 Palestinians in Gaza—predominantly civilians including women, children, elderly individuals, and entire families—have tragically lost their lives. Additionally, more than 95,500 have sustained injuries according to data from Gaza’s Ministry of Health. It is estimated that approximately one-quarter of these injured individuals will need long-term specialized rehabilitation services due to severe injuries such as amputations or traumatic brain damage.
More than two million Palestinians are currently deprived of essential resources such as food, clean water, sanitation facilities, shelter, healthcare services, education opportunities, electricity supply, and fuel—fundamental necessities for survival. Families have been repeatedly uprooted from one perilous location to another with no viable escape route available.
The dignity and rights of women and girls have been severely compromised during this crisis.
The threat of famine looms large as all 2.1 million residents urgently require food assistance while humanitarian access remains limited.
The healthcare system has suffered catastrophic damage; over 500 attacks on medical facilities have been documented within Gaza’s borders.
Aid distribution centers have had to relocate multiple times; convoys carrying critical supplies face gunfire or delays while relief workers are increasingly at risk—with fatalities among aid personnel reaching unprecedented levels within a single year-long crisis period.
Increased fatalities in the West Bank stem from excessive force used by authorities alongside rising settler aggression coupled with house demolitions and forced displacements exacerbating an already dire situation marked by discriminatory movement restrictions.
A Threatened Future
This ongoing conflict jeopardizes not only immediate safety but also undermines any hope for future recovery among Palestinian communities.
Currently close to 100 hostages remain unaccounted for in Gaza; reports from released captives reveal instances of mistreatment including sexual violence allegations.
A Call for Accountability
The actions taken by involved parties throughout this past year starkly contradict their professed commitment to international humanitarian law along with basic human decency standards.
Civilians deserve protection while their fundamental needs must be prioritized. There should be accountability regarding serious breaches against international humanitarian norms as well as human rights laws.
Efforts Amidst Adversity
Humanitarian organizations continue striving tirelessly under perilous conditions across both Gaza and the West Bank despite facing significant risks—with many aid workers paying dearly with their lives.
Our ability to deliver assistance remains evident if we receive necessary access; a recent polio vaccination campaign successfully reached over 560 thousand children under ten years old—a testament that further rounds can also be conducted safely if allowed.
An Urgent Appeal
We implore world leaders once again: utilize your influence effectively towards ensuring adherence not only towards international humanitarian law but also respect human rights standards alongside rulings made by entities like The International Court Of Justice through diplomatic engagement aimed at ending impunity surrounding these violations.
A Collective Responsibility
Civilian protection stands as an essential principle recognized globally—it serves every nation’s interest alike! Allowing this abhorrent cycle perpetuated by warfare within Occupied Palestinian Territories continues unchecked will yield unimaginable repercussions worldwide!
This cycle must come to an end!
Signatories:
- Ms Joyce Msuya - Acting Emergency Relief Coordinator & Under-Secretary-General (OCHA)
- Ms Sofia Sprechmann Sineiro – Secretary General (CARE International)
- Dr Qu Dongyu – Director-General (FAO)
- Ms Amy E. Pope – Director General (IOM)
- Mr Tom Hart – President & CEO (InterAction)
- Tjada D’Oyen McKenna – CEO (Mercy Corps)
- M Volker Türk – UN High Commissioner For Human Rights (OHCHR)
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