The Senior Middle East Advisor at the International Refugee Organization, Jesse Marks, said that about 80% of the population of the northern Gaza Strip are deprived of basic humanitarian aid.
Marx added – during an interview with Tel Aviv Tribune – that the continuation of Israeli military operations prevents relief convoys from reaching the affected areas, explaining that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is “manufactured” by Israel, which bears legal responsibility for the lives of the population as an occupying force.
He pointed out that Israel is shirking its legal and humanitarian responsibilities towards civilians, and is even working to increase their suffering by preventing basic aid from reaching them.
The international official confirmed that the basic needs of the population in the Gaza Strip are not sufficiently available, especially in light of the severe cold wave hitting the region.
Israeli ban
He added that the widespread destruction of civilian buildings forced residents to live in tents that do not provide adequate protection from the cold and rain, which exacerbated health problems.
Marx touched on the obstacles facing humanitarian organizations in delivering aid, explaining that Israeli forces are destroying the aid that reaches Gaza, whether it is tents or food supplies.
He added that non-governmental organizations and the United Nations have tried for a year and a half to provide basic assistance to a large extent, but they face continued prevention, especially in the north.
He explained that reaching Palestine has become very difficult, as humanitarian organizations face continuous obstacles in delivering aid.
Regarding the American role in delivering aid to those in need, Marx said that Israel has complete control over everything that happens in Gaza, and that the role of the international community has become very limited in pressuring it, which has led to aid being limited to “some simple matters” that can be delivered to civilians and children. In very difficult circumstances, indicating that this represents a complete disregard for the humanitarian principles recognized in armed conflicts.
