7 December marked two months since the escalation of hostilities in the Gaza Strip and Israel, highlighting an urgent and devastating humanitarian crisis.

Since October 7 and the escalation of violence between Israel and Hamas, more than 16,000 people were killed and more than 46,000 were injured in Gaza by continuous bombing by Israeli forces. Israel’s retaliatory response come after a massive attack launched by Hamas on October 7, killing 1,200 Israelis and taking hostage 240 Israelis and foreign nationals.

The Palestinian Medical Relief Society is calling on the entire international community, those directly involved and those who are not, to speak up on behalf of Palestinians, especially those in Gaza who, as we write, are victims of war crimes. PMRS requests this community to not be distracted by the western media maelstrom caused by blatant Israeli propaganda designed to dehumanize Palestinians and to remain focused on the issue of human rights. Since the 7th of October, we have collectively witnessed genocide in action and the ethnic cleansing of Palestinians from Gaza.

PMRS calls on the international community to hold Israel accountable for their violations to human rights and international law. PMRS urges the international community to demand the cessation of the violence in Gaza and to demand Israel comply with international humanitarian laws of necessity, proportionality and distinction. PMRS calls for safe access to shelter and unimpeded access for medical and humanitarian workers.

NEW YORK/GENEVA/ROME, 21 February 2024 – In the less than five months that followed the brutal 7 October attacks and the ensuing escalation, tens of thousands of Palestinians – mostly women and children – have been killed and injured in the Gaza Strip. More than three quarters of the population have been forced from their homes, many multiple times, and face severe shortages of food, water, sanitation and healthcare – the basic necessities to survive. 

NEW YORK/GENEVA/ROME, 16 November 2023 – As humanitarian leaders, our position is clear: We will not participate in the establishment of any ”safe zone” in Gaza that is set up without the agreement of all the parties, and unless fundamental conditions are in place to ensure safety and other essential needs are met and a mechanism is in place to supervise its implementation. 

From Philippe Lazzarini, UNRWA Commissioner-General

AMMAN,

“The Israeli Authorities have provided UNRWA with information about the alleged involvement of several UNRWA employees in the horrific attacks on Israel on 7 October.

OVER 2 MILLION PEOPLE IN GAZA DEPEND ON UNRWA FOR SURVIVAL AS WAR AND DISPLACEMENT CONTINUE  

FROM PHILIPPE LAZZARINI, UNRWA COMMISSIONER GENERAL  

AMMAN, 27 January 2024- “Nine countries have as of today temporarily suspended their funding to UNRWA. These decisions threaten our ongoing humanitarian work across the region including and especially in the Gaza Strip.