ActionAid is gravely concerned about the intensified attack on Rafah"
ActionAid said:
"We are gravely concerned that the intensified attack on Rafah has led to the closure of all aid routes into Gaza. No humanitarian relief is getting in, creating a dire situation for the 2.2 million people already struggling with starvation, disease and a severe lack of medical support.
"The chaos of the last 48 hours has left Rafah's residents in terror and confusion, with nowhere safe to turn. We remind the Israeli authorities that all those who remain or are unable to leave, including people in need of medical care, the elderly and people with disabilities, are protected under international humanitarian law, and must not be targeted.
“The international community cannot abandon them, we are urging you, now is the time to act. All parties involved must do everything in their power to immediately to halt the assault on Rafah, reopen all aid crossing points, and ensure a permanent ceasefire. The people of Gaza cannot wait. We cannot allow this to happen."
Contact the ActionAid press office on uk.media@actionaid.org or on 07753 973 486.