We demand an immediate ceasefire!
Norwegian People's Aid condemns the resumption of bombing and attacks in the strongest possible terms. It is appalling that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is allowed to continue to unfold without the international community succeeding in negotiating a lasting ceasefire.
“The situation for civilians is completely unbearable”, says Head of Development and Humanitarian Cooperation, Gry Ballestad. “Our staff who have been forced to flee to the south, to so-called "safe zones" told us this morning that leaflets telling them to evacuate from Khan Younis to Rafah have been dropped over the areas they are staying. Such an evacuation is not practicable, there are hundreds of thousands of people being pushed further south to a small area that cannot possibly house Gaza's inhabitants”!
The recent continued escalation in the West Bank is also very concerning. "Our partners say that the intensity of attacks by settlers continues to increase, and just yesterday the video of two children being shot by Israeli forces on an open street was shared around the world. It's unbearable," says Ballestad.
Protection of civilians must be a priority. We need an immediate ceasefire, and unhindered humanitarian access so that food, fuel and vital medical supplies can enter Gaza – and reach those who need it. At the same time, access to electricity and water must be restored immediately. The repeated violations of international law must stop!
