Aid workers among Palestinians facing starvation

From Sharaf Al Faqawi, Humanity & Inclusion's Gaza Area Manager:

Just like the over two million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, we humanitarian workers are also being starved, displaced and killed. For almost two years now, every single day, we must juggle between surviving this war, caring for ourselves and families, and serving the most vulnerable. Hunger has reached its peak, with children and babies dying of starvation.

There is no food, clean water, medicine, or fuel, among other basic needs. Hundreds are being killed at militarized aid distribution sites. It’s a tough choice of dying of hunger or getting killed while trying to get food. We cannot fully operate or serve those in need because we lack the necessary aid and equipment due to the Israeli blockade, the relentless bombardment, and forced displacement — but also because we ourselves are growing weak from hunger and malnutrition.

You can see the impact on their bodies and in their eyes — our staff are becoming dizzy, weak, and drained of energy. Although they remain committed to their mission, they can no longer focus or work as they did before. Many of our activities require physical movement and effort, such as our risk awareness sessions on explosive ordnance and our physical rehabilitation work. The coming days are very critical. If this situation persists, we could see some HI aid workers collapsing while on duty.

From Hamza Dardas, one of Humanity & Inclusion's Gaza Explosive Ordnance Risk Education Agents:

What we are witnessing as humanitarian workers when we meet the people that we serve is that everyone is physically and mentally exhausted. Starvation is affecting every aspect of life, with a disproportionate impact on vulnerable groups like the elderly, persons with disabilities, women and children. People are fainting and cannot talk much due to exhaustion. When we raise awareness in the community on explosive ordnance, we notice that people are no longer as interested, their priority is to secure food for their children and families. They tell us that “There is no greater danger than starvation”.  

People are looking for food everywhere, many told us that they are waiting near the crossing points awaiting any aid, putting themselves and their families in grave danger. Our message is clear; aid must be let into Gaza to stop the starvation. Food is a non-negotiable right for every human being, guaranteed by several international treaties and conventions. What’s happening goes against humanity.

From Areej Abu Mandil, Humanity & Inclusion's Gaza Human Resources & Administration Officer:

Amid this ongoing tragedy, I did not only lose the place where I lived and was raised but also lost the community where I always felt safe and belonging. I am staring at the grey streets, Israel has demolished the homes and ruined our society as well. Our current days are so dark and painful; however, I am more concerned about our tomorrow if we are lucky to stay alive.

For a war that lasted for almost 2 years now, I believe that these days are the toughest. My children are dying gradually in front of my eyes while I feel helpless. My heart aches every minute as I can’t serve them a dignified meal. My youngest child Salma is malnourished. It aches me to see the children dying in hospitals from hunger and dehydration. The denial of entry for baby formula to babies is cruel. No one is guilty rather than for being born as a Palestinian.

The plan is to uproot us in any and every way. The total destruction of a town that was previously full of life, ruining a promising society and killing new generations are all clear attempts of erasing us. It is not just about pushing people to leave. It's all about creating a coercive environment and a harsh reality to ensure that this piece of land is unlivable.

Having mentioned all these atrocities, and repeating them seems to be in vain, as empty stomachs, pale faces and exhausted bodies are about to collapse. Whatever time is left is quickly running out.