INGOs have expressed severe concern today over the potential collapse of the humanitarian response in Gaza, which would leave millions of civilians without aid.
The issuance of 16 orders by Israeli authorities forcing displacement in August, ongoing severe limits to what aid is allowed into Gaza, and operational restrictions are all cited as key concerns by INGOs in their latest report, the Gaza Humanitarian Access Snapshot #4.
The forced displacement orders are pushing civilians and humanitarians into an ever-shrinking area - unilaterally declared by Israeli authorities as a “humanitarian zone” which is now less than 40km² – where they remain unsafe from the military operations. More than 250,000 people have been displaced in August alone as well as more than 24 NGOs with staff, offices, guesthouses or warehouses all affected.
These new restrictions come at a time when the humanitarian response is already critically impeded, with July marking the lowest amount of food assistance entering Gaza since the start of the military offensive more than 10 months ago.
ActionAid and other INGOs are urging the international community to take action to ensure an immediate and lasting ceasefire is reached to protect civilians and ensure life-saving aid can reach all civilians in need, without compromising the safety of humanitarian staff.
Download the full report below.