We, the undersigned Palestinian and international civil society organizations, urgently call for an immediate end to the ongoing war over Gaza and the protection of civilians in accordance with international law.
We are deeply concerned about the escalating situation in the Gaza Strip, where Israel's military actions have resulted in a horrific humanitarian catastrophe. As of 12 October 2023, over 1,417 Palestinians, including 447 children, were killed, with 6,268 wounded and more than 250,000 people displaced from their homes.
In addition, the deliberate cutting off of electricity, water and the blockade of essential supplies, such as fuel, have led to a power outage with a complete blackout in Gaza. Hospitals, that are already full, are now incapable of providing critical health services to the injured, also, medicines and medical supplies are depleting rapidly. Furthermore, the dire shortage of water is crippling Gaza's shelters, with desalination plants inoperable due to ongoing Israeli bombings and power supply disruptions.
Deprivation of food, water, electricity, and gas as part of a "complete siege" on Gaza is not only a violation of international law but also a grave violation of basic human rights and fundamental principles of humanity. Such inhumane acts harm civilians and will lead to genocide and for a second Nakba.
As a result, we implore the International community (International organizations, European Union and its Member Estates, public institutions, and civil society alike) to take immediate and meaningful actions to end the Israeli aggression on the people in Gaza and to protect the lives of innocent civilians.
We appeal all the states parties to the Geneva Conventions to put pressure on Israel to respect international law, including the principles of proportionality, necessity and distinction, to prevent harm to civilians, and to establish humanitarian corridors to ensure that medical aid and food supplies reach those in need.
We demand respect for international law.