Sir, – The dire circumstances facing the people of Gaza, which would have traditionally triggered swift humanitarian responses from international organisations, non-governmental organisations, and the UN, now persist without the urgent aid that was once commonplace.
Institutions like the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) emphasise the unprecedented scale of destruction in Gaza, yet the humanitarian community’s response remains noticeably absent.
The scale of devastation surpasses the comprehension of even those accustomed to working in war-torn regions and several factors contribute to the apparent inaction. First, stringent restrictions dictate what supplies can enter Gaza, including essential items such as fuel, tents, medical supplies, and waste-management materials, and this list is far from exhaustive, as numerous other crucial items face entry prohibitions.
Second, the Rafah Crossing in Egypt, barely operational and the sole functioning border entry point, sees a drastic reduction in the number of trucks allowed into Gaza.
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Previously, about 500 trucks entered daily to meet the needs of the 1.6 million people registered as refugees with the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNWRA).
Today, with the region on the brink, fewer than 100 trucks gain approval to cross the border daily.
A drop in the ocean when considering the scale of aid necessity for the region.
A new UN report reveals that 576,600 people have depleted food supplies in the region, facing catastrophic hunger, and the World Health Organisation warns that a famine is looming in Gaza.
The third impediment to progress lies in restrictions preventing humanitarian aid workers from entering Gaza. Local, and international aid agencies must rely on Palestinian staff within Gaza, who themselves are beneficiaries, to deliver the limited aid that manages to break through.
Under international humanitarian law, Israel is required, as the occupying power, to ensure the basic needs of the population of Gaza are met, including food and water, medicine, and heating.
Sadly, the law of war has been forgotten.
Fortunately, the humanitarian community and the Parliamentarians of Ireland have not overlooked the crisis, and the Department of Foreign Affairs is urging Israel to uphold humanitarian law in Gaza.
Humanitarian aid workers are pinning their hopes on parliamentarians to broker an immediate and sustained ceasefire and secure permission for trucks and personnel to enter Gaza, enabling them to initiate life-saving efforts.
Until then, as we go about our morning routines, stepping into the shower, we can’t help but contemplate the stark contrast between our daily concerns and the harrowing reality faced by those sharing bathrooms with 2,000 others in Gaza this Christmas. – Yours, etc,
LORRAINE MARRIOTT,
Regional Director,
Middle East,
Goal,
Dún Laoghaire,
Co Dublin.