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Humanitarian convoys of food, medicine, and other life-saving supplies have been limited
Palestinians walk on the ruins of a building destroyed in airstrikes carried out by Israeli forces in Al-Fakhoura area, in Jabaliya, north Gaza, October 9, 2023. Israeli forces declared a a complete siege on Gaza and launched hundreds of airstrikes, killing more than 3000 Palestinians in an area home to 2.3 million people, most of whom are refugees with nowhere to flee. Photo: Mohammed Zaanoun/ Activestills
A leading Palestinian activist has said that the people of Gaza are “sitting ducks” as they try seek safety from Israeli airstrikes and ground attacks.
Lubnah Shomali, Advocacy Manager at Trócaire partner ‘Badil Resource Center for Palestinian Residency and Refugee Rights’ said Israel ordered Palestinians in Gaza to seek safety from the attacks, “when in reality, there is no safety anywhere”.
“Israel has been implementing massive airstrikes over the Gaza Strip that has led to the internal displacement of approximately 1.1 million Palestinians. Israel informed Palestinians in the northern part of the Gaza Strip to evacuate to the southern parts and so, of course, people because of fear and because of the severe bombing that has been happening, evacuated,” Shomali said.
“People left their homes, and even when they did, Israel attacked these people on route and bombed the southern part of Gaza. Israel is bombing hospitals, schools and UN buildings. Palestinians are sitting ducks, and Israel knows this and they continue to implement this massive airstrike and this massive war on Gaza.”
Badil, supported by Trócaire, is a Palestinian human rights organisation established in 1998, dedicated to defending and promoting the rights of Palestinian refugees and internally displaced persons.
Shomali called for an immediate ceasefire, saying that aid organisations cannot protect and support civilians until aid is allowed into Gaza.
“We can’t provide humanitarian support if we can’t get aid supplies in and if Israel keeps bombing critical infrastructure such as hospitals, schools and UN facilities.”
“These attacks aren’t ‘unprecedented’ as we keep hearing in the media. Israel has been targeting Palestinian people and land since 1948.”
Read More: 4 ways you can help the people of Gaza
Shomali called on the international community to hold Israel to account for breaches of international law.
“Of course Israel will continue to get away with these war crimes if there are no consequences. Not only is Israel able to get away with things that no other state on the planet is able to get away with, they also get support from the UK, the United States and Germany. Not only are these countries turning a blind eye and blatantly ignoring Israel’s crimes, they are also aiding and abetting in these crimes.”
Shomali commended the Irish Government for their strong stance on calling for an end to the attacks on the people of Gaza.
“There needs to be more countries coming forward individually and breaking away from the mould of the European Union,” Shomali said.
“The power for change comes from the people. Each person needs to put pressure on their governments to have them honor and respect international law, and to take action against perpetrators.”
“We know the government of the United States won’t change their position on Israel anytime soon. But we do know that we have the support of some American people. We know we have the support of the Irish people. It is the momentum and the mobilisation of civil society around the world in combination with Palestinian civil society that is going to change things.”
“Ireland can be the benchmark of the leader we need to make change.”
A human tragedy is unfolding and the world cannot stand back and watch events without doing everything possible to avert further suffering.
You can take action by demanding your elected representatives in Ireland speak out in solidarity to protect civilians and ensure humanitarian aid urgently gets into Gaza.
