Due to the appalling situation in the Gaza Strip, more than 100 aid organizations have demanded free access to the area. They are demanding immediate ceasefire talks, the opening of border crossings and unhindered aid deliveries with the assistance of UN-controlled structures.
The area is threatened by "mass starvation", notes the declaration signed by 115 organizations. Due to the blockade, tons of food, water, medical supplies and fuel remain unused in warehouses outside Gaza, the appeal to the international community emphasizes.
"The restrictions and delays caused by the Israeli government are leading to chaos, hunger and death", the organizations write.
UN: many victims at distribution points
Since the end of May, food distribution was taken over by the Israeli-US-supported "Gaza Humanitarian Foundation", especially children and the elderly have increasingly suffered from malnutrition and hunger, ARD points out. In Gaza, an average of only 28 trucks are distributed per day, which is not enough for over two million people, the appeal notes.
Deaths occur almost daily at distribution points. According to the UN, at least 1,000 Palestinians have since lost their lives searching for food on aid routes or at food distribution points.
"Starving civilians is a war crime"
"Governments should no longer wait for permission to act," the appeal also said. An immediate and lasting ceasefire, unhindered access, and a UN-led aid mission that is not under military control are needed.
"The UN-led humanitarian system has not failed - it has been prevented from functioning", the organizations said, warning Israel that "starving civilians is a war crime".
Among the signatories to the declaration are aid organizations from around the world such as "Amnesty International", "Doctors Without Borders", "Save the Children" and "Oxfam".