ActionAid Statement on Gaza

Time is running out - protect civilians in Gaza

ActionAid is dismayed at the mounting deaths of civilians in Gaza and calls for an immediate end to hostilities.

Latest UN figures put the number of deaths at 910 Palestinians and 14 Israelis while over 4,250 people have been seriously injured since ground and air attacks started more than two weeks ago.

ActionAid calls on both sides to respect the recent UN Security Council ceasefire resolution by calling for an immediate halt to hostilities, re-opening border crossings and providing unimpeded humanitarian access.

All parties involved in the war must put the lives of innocent civilians ahead of military and political considerations.

We are seriously concerned about the rising number of civilian casualties in Gaza, particularly among women and children, who make up more than one third of the death toll according to UN figures.

In addition, the humanitarian situation is fast deteriorating as Gaza residents go short of food, water, electricity and medical supplies.

As a signatory of the Geneva Convention, Israel has obligations to provide access to basic services such as water and health care to civilians in Gaza.

The Israeli blockade of Gaza is stopping ordinary people from claiming these basic human rights and should be lifted immediately.

All parties to the conflict must ensure free and unconditional humanitarian access and to respect international humanitarian laws and the Geneva Convention.

The safety and security of civilians, especially the most vulnerable - children, women, the elderly and disabled - must be an absolute priority.

While life saving humanitarian assistance is needed urgently, it is necessary for the international community to commit to long term recovery work and rebuild communities that have been hit by war and the blockade in Gaza.

ActionAid is an international anti-poverty agency working in 50 countries taking sides with poor people to end poverty and injustice together.

14 January 2009