12 NGO chiefs warn Gaza aid distribution ‘facing total collapse’

OSLO, Norway — The humanitarian aid system in Gaza is “facing total collapse” because of Israel’s blockade on aid supplies since March 2, the heads of 12 major aid organizations warn, urging Israel to let them “do our jobs.”

Israel stresses there is enough food in Gaza for now, and has vowed to maintain its blockage on humanitarian aid to the war-ravaged territory, saying it is the only way to force Hamas to release the 59 hostages still held there.

Senior officials in Israel’s security establishment believe that the humanitarian supplies and food in the Gaza Strip will only last another month or so, the Kan public broadcaster reported yesterday.

“Every single person in Gaza is relying on humanitarian aid to survive,” the chief executives of 12 NGOs, including Oxfam and Save the Children, write in a joint statement.

“That lifeline has been completely cut off since a blockade on all aid supplies was imposed by Israeli authorities on March 2,” they say, adding that “This is one of the worst humanitarian failures of our generation.”

A survey of 43 international and Palestinian aid organizations working in Gaza found that almost all have suspended or drastically cut services since a ceasefire ended on March 18, “with widespread and indiscriminate bombing making it extremely dangerous to move around,” the NGOs say.

“Famine is not just a risk, but [is] likely rapidly unfolding in almost all parts of Gaza,” they say. “Survival itself is now slipping out of reach, and the humanitarian system is at breaking point.”

“We call on all parties to guarantee the safety of our staff and to allow the safe, unfettered access of aid into and across Gaza through all entry points, and for world leaders to oppose further restrictions.”

Previous reports that famine was occurring in parts of Gaza or was imminent have been found to be inaccurate.