Gaza is facing unprecedented suffering. Millions lack basic needs amidst violence and displacement. The world must demand a ceasefire, aid access, an end to occupation, and the release of hostages and detainees. Silence is not an option.
The last year in Gaza has been one of horror. The Israeli military’s relentless bombardment and ground operations have killed more than 41,615 Palestinians, with over 96,359 injured. Thousands of these injuries are life-altering, leaving many without limbs, mobility, or hope.
The disregard for international humanitarian law has been blatant. Homes, schools, hospitals and camps housing displaced people have been frequent targets of attacks, killing and maiming men, women and children who have nowhere safe to go.
Families continue to be displaced again and again, fleeing destruction only to find more devastation. Over 2 million Palestinians now live without adequate food, water, shelter, healthcare, or electricity. Despite basic survival needs being systematically denied following nearly 18 years of a crippling blockade and ongoing violence, the scale of suffering witnessed in the year is incomparable and unprecedented.
In the West Bank, the situation is equally dire. 695 Palestinians have been killed by intensive Israeli military assaults and violence from settlers committed in impunity. Thousands of Palestinians have been detained in horrific conditions. Search operations continue to terrify communities, while severe movement restrictions have denied people basic freedoms.
Almost a year has passed since the attacks of October 7th, when over 1,200 people were killed in Israel, and around 250 hostages were taken. Today, over 100 hostages remain in Gaza and their fate remains unknown. These hostages must be released immediately and unconditionally.
Since, violence stemming from this crisis has spilled over across the Middle East, killing more than 1,600 and displacing hundreds of thousands inside Lebanon alone. More than 100,000 Lebanese and Syrian refugees have also fled Lebanon and crossed into Syria. Further escalation would bring incommensurable suffering to a region already desperate.
These examples are gross violations of international humanitarian and human rights law, a legal framework that was borne out of the atrocities of war and the need to ensure such horrors never occurred again. Yet these laws only work when we work together to uphold them.
Some of the most influential world leaders have largely remained silent. When words have been spoken, they are not followed by actions that could save thousands of lives. Many governments continue to transfer arms to Israel, despite the clear and ongoing violations of international law.
The time to act was a year ago. The second-best time is now.
The international community must demand an immediate and lasting ceasefire. The atrocities must end, and humanitarian aid must be allowed to flow freely to those in desperate need. But a ceasefire alone is not enough. Palestinians have endured decades of occupation, discrimination, and oppression. Only an end to the illegal occupation can secure a lasting peace for all.
World leaders must act now. Not with empty words, but with real, meaningful action. The world cannot afford to stand by as international law is trampled, innocent lives continue to be lost, and the very foundations of our shared humanity are shaken.
DRC is present in more than forty countries with a long-standing regional presence in the Middle East, and in Gaza / oPt since May 2024 where we are supporting the response through local partners with key programming in camp management and camp coordination, humanitarian mine action, protection and food security.