One month into a fragile ceasefire that has taken effect in the Gaza Strip, Palestinians continue to face tremendous hardship, says Caroline Seguin, MSF Emergency Coordinator in Gaza.
“One month into this fragile ceasefire, the situation in Gaza remains desperate. Palestinians are still being killed and injured by Israeli forces almost every day in the areas close to the yellow line, behind which Israel maintains control. Palestinians often risk their lives by going back to look for their houses – as this line is still not always clearly marked. To make matters worse, some main hospitals are in areas controlled by Israeli forces, which means safe access to healthcare is reduced.
The Israeli authorities continue to impose significant restrictions on the entry of aid into Gaza. MSF and other organisations are struggling to bring vital aid into Gaza, especially medical equipment, shelters, hygiene items, and spare parts for vital infrastructure.
The needs are tremendous; people are suffering and it’s entirely avoidable.
Living conditions in Gaza remain appalling. After being forcibly displaced repeatedly, many Palestinians are still living in makeshift tents and without access to running water and electricity, next to piles of rubbish and overflowing sewage. We see people’s health affected by these dire conditions, causing respiratory, skin and gastrointestinal infections. Winter is coming soon, with temperatures dropping and heavy rains and wind expected.
The Israeli authorities must immediately allow a massive scale up of unimpeded humanitarian assistance into Gaza.”
MSF is an international, medical, humanitarian organisation that delivers medical care to people in need, regardless of their origin, religion, or political affiliation. MSF Australia was established in 1995 and is one of 24 international MSF sections committed to delivering medical humanitarian assistance to people in crisis. Every year more than 120 Australians and New Zealanders go on assignment with Médecins Sans Frontières working as: doctors, midwives, psychologists, laboratory technicians, human resource/finance coordinators, pharmacists, mental health specialists and logisticians. MSF delivers medical care based on need alone and operates independently of government, religion or economic influence and irrespective of race, religion or gender. For more information visit msf.org.au