As the Group of 20 (G20) meets this week in Brazil, the death toll from hostilities in Gaza approaches 30,000. I hope this gives the foreign ministers meeting in Rio de Janeiro something to think about what their countries have done or not done to put an end to this situation.
It is nothing new to say that the war in Gaza is ruthless and an example of total humanitarian failure. There is no need to repeat the obvious. Instead, allow me – on behalf of my humanitarian colleagues – to warn you not only about today, but also what I fear for tomorrow.
What has happened in Gaza over the past 138 days is unprecedented in its intensity, brutality and scale. Tens of thousands of people killed, injured or buried under the rubble. Entire neighborhoods razed. Hundreds of thousands of people have been displaced, living in the most abject conditions even as winter sets in. Half a million people on the verge of starvation. No access to the most basic needs: food, water, health care, latrines. An entire population is stripped of its humanity.
The atrocities affecting the people of Gaza – and the humanitarian tragedy they endure – are visible to the world, documented by courageous Palestinian journalists, and too many of them have been killed doing so. No one can pretend not to know.
No one can claim to be unaware that humanitarian agencies are doing their best: nearly 160 of our colleagues have been killed, but our teams continue to deliver food, medical supplies and clean water. We are doing everything we can, despite security risks, breakdown of law and order, access constraints and personal tragedies. Despite the defunding of the largest UN organization in Gaza. And this despite deliberate attempts to discredit us.
The humanitarian community I represent has just released a plan outlining what we need to increase the flow of aid into and through Gaza. None of this is unreasonable: security guarantees; a better humanitarian notification system to reduce risks; telecommunications equipment; removal of unexploded ordnance; use of all possible entry points.
But even though I have often said that hope is the currency of humanitarianism, I have little hope that the authorities will give us what we need to operate. I want nothing more than to be wrong.
We know without a shadow of a doubt that humanitarian agencies will be blamed – we are already blamed – for the lack of aid in Gaza, despite the courage, commitment and sacrifice of all our teams there.
But make no mistake: the deprivations suffered by the people of Gaza are so severe that no amount of aid is enough.
The obstacles we face at every step are so enormous that we can only provide the bare minimum.
The October 7 attacks on Israel are horrific – I have repeatedly condemned them and will continue to do so. But they cannot justify what is happening to every child, woman and man in Gaza.
My message this week to the G20 foreign ministers is therefore clear: we have implored Israel, as the occupying power in Gaza, to facilitate the delivery of aid – to no avail, if at all.
We demanded the immediate and unconditional release of all the hostages – in vain, if not without success.
We have urged the parties to respect their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law – to little or no avail.
We have urged countries that have stopped funding UNRWA to reverse their decision – with little or no success.
Today we implore you, members of the G20, to use your political leadership and influence to help end this war and save the people of Gaza. You have the power to make a difference. Use it.
Your silence and inaction will only lead to more women and children being thrown into open graves in Gaza.
Humanitarian agencies are doing everything they can. Are you?
This article was originally published in the Brazilian media outlet Folha.
The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the editorial position of Tel Aviv Tribune.
