“They are deeply shocked by the extent of the suffering. People are rammed into the limited space between the sea and completely destroyed buildings. Drones fly over the area all the time, there are airstrikes and gunfire during day and night. The displaced people live in cramped condition in the remaining so called “humanitarian zone” where the majority of the population is sheltering. The sheer struggle for survival is also evident in the fact that people are desperately seeking to cover their daily survival needs, and the aid transports are denied and repeatedly attacked. Apocalyptic conditions prevail. The fact that the basic humanitarian standards are being violated on a daily basis in Gaza and that there is no unhindered safe access to the affected population is completely unacceptable. More access to the affected areas, especially to the north, are needed,” says Mathias Mogge, CEO of Welthungerhilfe, quoting eyewitness reports from employees.
In their work, Welthungerhilfe and its partners strictly adhere to the humanitarian principles of neutrality, humanity, impartiality and independence. Welthungerhilfe condemns the brutal Hamas attack on October 7, 2023 in the strongest possible terms and demands the immediate release of all remaining hostages. At the same time, it stresses that all parties to the conflict comply with international humanitarian law, an immediate and lasting ceasefire, the protection of the civilian population and humanitarian aid workers, as well as safe and unhindered access to the required aid supplies by the fastest possible means.