The humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip has reached a critical point, with international aid groups expressing their inability to protect staff in the region. The recent Israeli airstrike that killed seven workers from the US-based food charity World Central Kitchen has sparked global outrage and raised concerns about the safety of humanitarian workers in Gaza.
According to the United Nations, at least 196 humanitarian workers have lost their lives in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Despite the risks, aid groups have not withdrawn from Gaza, but some have suspended operations following the attack on World Central Kitchen. The UN has warned of an imminent famine in the region, highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian assistance.
One of the major challenges faced by aid organizations operating in Gaza is the difficulty in accessing and distributing aid due to security concerns. Scott Paul, associate director for peace and security at Oxfam America, emphasized the daily struggle of deciding whether to proceed with operations amid inadequate security conditions. The UN and international aid groups have been sharing their locations and planned movements with Israeli authorities, but there have been instances where aid facilities have been targeted despite coordination efforts.
The United States has criticized the Israeli military for failing to prevent harm to aid workers, calling for direct humanitarian coordination with the military to improve the situation. In response, Israel has pledged to strengthen coordination efforts and adjust its war tactics to avoid targeting humanitarian relief workers. Bushra Khalidi, an Oxfam policy adviser, stressed the importance of distinguishing between military targets and humanitarian workers, placing the responsibility on Israel to protect aid personnel.
The targeting of aid workers and facilities has raised questions about Israel’s compliance with international humanitarian law. Louise Bichet from Doctors of the World/Médecins du Monde highlighted the destruction of their offices in Gaza City despite clear communication of their GPS coordinates to the Israeli army. The UN Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA has also faced numerous strikes on its facilities, resulting in the loss of 177 staff members.
Isabelle Defourny, president of Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) France, criticized the lack of effectiveness in the humanitarian coordination system and expressed concerns about the disproportionate conduct of Israel in the conflict. Despite detailed coordination efforts and sharing of coordinates, aid convoys and facilities continue to be targeted, posing a serious challenge to humanitarian operations in Gaza.
The escalating violence and targeting of humanitarian workers in Gaza highlight the urgent need for a coordinated and effective response to ensure the safety and well-being of aid personnel. As the humanitarian crisis worsens, it is crucial for all parties involved to prioritize the protection of aid workers and facilitate the delivery of essential assistance to the vulnerable population in Gaza.