GAZA, (Palestine Foundation Information Center), The Hamas Movement on Wednesday, marking World Humanitarian Day, called on the United Nations and international humanitarian organizations to intensify relief efforts in the Gaza Strip, support the resilience of Palestinians across the Palestinian territories, and work to hold Israel accountable for violations against civilians and humanitarian workers.
In a statement, Hamas said World Humanitarian Day, observed annually on August 19, comes this year amid continued Israeli attacks on the Gaza Strip, the occupied West Bank and Jerusalem. It accused the Israeli government of refusing to abide by the ceasefire, continuing to target civilians and obstructing the entry of humanitarian aid.
The Movement said that during months of genocide in the Gaza Strip, Israel not only prevented the entry of humanitarian aid and basic necessities but also targeted humanitarian workers and employees of charitable organizations, killing dozens while they were carrying out their duties. Hamas said such attacks constitute war crimes.
Hamas said World Humanitarian Day provides an opportunity to highlight the role of humanitarian organizations in supporting the Palestinian people, particularly amid the Israeli genocide and worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
The Movement called on the international community, including states, governments and international organizations, to fulfill its political, legal and moral responsibilities by pressuring Israel to halt its violations and holding those responsible accountable.
Hamas urged the United Nations and international humanitarian organizations to continue providing humanitarian assistance to Palestinians, resist Israeli pressure, and take urgent action to meet the needs of more than two million displaced people in the Gaza Strip amid dire humanitarian conditions.
It also called on UN agencies and Arab, Islamic and international organizations to expand humanitarian, relief, healthcare, educational and development programs in Gaza and facilitate the entry of temporary housing units and weather-resistant tents as winter approaches.
The Movement praised humanitarian workers and local and international organizations operating in Palestine and abroad, including in Gaza, the occupied West Bank, Jerusalem, refugee camps and the diaspora, commending their humanitarian, healthcare, educational and relief efforts.
Hamas stressed that the Israeli government’s continued refusal to abide by the ceasefire, alongside escalating violations, means statements of condemnation alone are no longer sufficient. It called on states, governments and international organizations to take concrete measures to pressure Israel and compel it to halt its ongoing violations against Palestinians and humanitarian workers.
