Israel and the occupied territories: No time to lose
Hostilities between Gaza and Israel must stop and much-needed humanitarian activities must start now.
The populations in Gaza and Israel are facing the most intense cycle of hostilities in years and this cycle of violence bears heavy consequences on the civilian population.
We are closely monitoring the humanitarian impact of the fighting and are communicating with both sides about the need to adhere to their obligations under international humanitarian law and to protect civilians.
We welcome the ceasefire after 11 intense days of torment, death and destruction for civilians in Gaza and in Israel. The focus now must be on support for reconstruction and recovery.
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It will take years to rebuild it but most importantly, it will take longer to rebuild the fractured people lives. Those who witness the attacks or lost their loved ones the grief remains. A lot of work needs to be done #Gaza pic.twitter.com/6qPsJOHknE
— suhair zakkout (@suhairzakkout) May 21, 2021
The ICRC is looking at meeting emergency needs like surgeries and water and energy repairs. One of our priorities is to bring in extra medical supplies to support an already-fragile health system under immense strain, also coping with the spread of COVID-19.
We are also focused on long-term needs like rebuilding infrastructure and crucial mental health support.
Thousands of people have lost their homes, businesses and places of work and will need huge support to get back on their feet.
We're supporting repairs of the water system, wastewater system and power network already and want to step it up. An estimated 700,000 Palestinians are affected by damage to power and electricity infrastructure, with water supply decreased by 40%.
It will take years to rebuild and even longer to rebuild fractured lives. For those, who witnessed the attacks or lost their loved ones the grief remains. There is a lot of work to be done to give them the support they need now.
