As an aid organization Terre des Hommes is appalled by the recent escalation of violence in the region. The atrocities committed by Hamas on October 7th mark a watershed moment in Israel, whose population continues to suffer the consequences and worry about the kidnapped. We share their suffering.

We are extremely concerned that social infrastructure and medical facilities are being targeted by attacks, some of which violate international law. The current situation in Gaza is a humanitarian catastrophe. The majority of the two million residents have no access to clean water and electricity, which puts young children and the elderly at particular risk. Almost all hospitals have been destroyed, and life-saving operations are impossible without electricity and blood supplies. People are living in extremely cramped conditions after hundreds of thousands fled to the south of the country. Even there, they are not safe from the bombings. Hunger is increasingly taking its toll.

We call on the German government to work to ensure that this destruction is stopped and that the civilian population in Gaza and also in Israel is protected from violence that violates international law.

The local civilian population urgently needs humanitarian aid and human rights support. The right to humanitarian aid, like international law, is an achievement of two horrific world wars that began in Europe. This right applies to all people – worldwide and without exception. Claiming it does not justify terror and war. On the contrary: providing aid is an important signal against terror and war.

As aid and human rights organizations committed to humanitarian principles, we urge the German government not to tire and to continue its intensive efforts to ensure that aid supplies can be delivered promptly and in sufficient quantities to save lives.

However intangible this may seem in the desperate situation in Israel and Palestine: only when there is a future prospect for everyone and the rights of all people in the region are guaranteed will there be security for all and the enemies of peace can be deprived of their footing.

We call on the German government to advocate for a humanitarian ceasefire that would provide the basis for a political perspective of peaceful coexistence in Israel and Palestine.