More than 400 people, including many women and children have been killed in Israeli strikes on various parts of Gaza, marking the collapse of the ceasefire two months after it went into effect, ushering in another chapter of unbearable suffering for the civilian population.
Jolien Veldwijk, CARE Palestine (West Bank and Gaza) Country Director, said:
“Our staff in Gaza recount being awoken in the middle of the night to the sounds of pounding airstrikes and piercing cries of people looking up to the sky in disbelief. They are telling us about hospitals overflowing with the injured amid shortages in medical supplies, many people fleeing their homes, children crying and an overall state of confusion, fear and helplessness.
"For this to happen during Ramadan and just as people were beginning to feel that the nightmare they had survived for 15 months had ended is beyond heartbreaking. A renewed cycle of violence will further destabilize the wider region and undermine the prospects for long-term and sustained peace.”
The airstrikes hit a health centre run by CARE’s partner Juzoor in Jabalia. Al-Rafi Health Center served over 1,000 patients daily and its destruction will significantly impact Juzoor’s ability to provide essential medical care.
Helen McEachern, CEO of CARE International UK, said:
“A return to bombings, death and destruction, coupled with the decision to close all crossings into and out of Gaza, including for medical evacuations, is exacerbating the suffering for an already vulnerable population. The UK government has committed to support Gaza. If we are to take that support seriously, they must push all parties to adhere to international humanitarian law, and facilitate the flow of aid across the Gaza Strip.
“People in Gaza are still reeling from the violence, forced displacement, physical destruction and deprivation of 15 months of conflict. And as we have said before, the only way to end the suffering and foster the best chance of lasting peace is through a sustained ceasefire.”
Media enquiries
For all media enquiries, please contact Zaina Alibhai on alibhai@careinternational.org
