More than 100 NGOs warn 'mass starvation' spreading across Gaza
Israel is facing mounting international pressure over the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Palestinian territory, where more than two million people face severe shortages of food and other essentials after 21 months of conflict, triggered by Hamas's attack on Israel.
The UN said on Tuesday that Israeli forces had killed more than 1,000 Palestinians trying to get food aid since the US- and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation started operations in late May -- effectively sidelining the existing UN-led system.
A statement with 111 signatories, including Doctors Without Borders (MSF), Save the Children and Oxfam, warned that "our colleagues and those we serve are wasting away".
The groups called for an immediate negotiated ceasefire, the opening of all land crossings and the free flow of aid through UN-led mechanisms.
It came a day after the United States said its envoy Steve Witkoff will head to Europe this week for talks on Gaza and may then visit the Middle East.
Witkoff comes with "a strong hope that we will come forward with another ceasefire as well as a humanitarian corridor for aid to flow, that both sides have in fact agreed to," State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce told reporters.
Even after Israel began easing a more than two-month aid blockade in late May, Gaza's population is still suffering extreme scarcities.
Israel says humanitarian aid is being allowed into Gaza and accuses Hamas of exploiting civilian suffering, including by stealing food handouts to sell at inflated prices or shooting at those awaiting aid.
In their statement, the humanitarian organisations said that warehouses with tonnes of supplies were sitting untouched just outside the territory, and even inside, as they were blocked from accessing or delivering the goods.
"Palestinians are trapped in a cycle of hope and heartbreak, waiting for assistance and ceasefires, only to wake up to worsening conditions," the signatories said.
"It is not just physical torment, but psychological. Survival is dangled like a mirage," they added.
"The humanitarian system cannot run on false promises. Humanitarians cannot operate on shifting timelines or wait for political commitments that fail to deliver access."
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Tuesday that the "horror" facing Palestinians in Gaza under Israeli military attack was unprecedented in recent years.
The head of Gaza's largest hospital said Tuesday 21 children had died due to malnutrition and starvation in the Palestinian territory in the past three days.
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IOL News
an hour ago
- IOL News
Litmus Test for SADC Unity in the Wake of US Military Overtures
Zambian President Hakainde Hichilema, Angola President Joao Lourenco, US President Joe Biden, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) President Felix Tshisekedi, and Tanzania Vice-President Philip Isdor Mpango at the Lobito Corridor Trans-Africa Summit December 4, 2024. ( Image: AFP Kim Heller The United States (U.S.) is romancing the Southern African Development Community (SADC). It is no whirlwind courtship. For months now, Washington has been actively engaged in the new peace process in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). In July, senior leaders from the U.S. Africa Command visited Angola and Namibia. Last week, AFRICOM Deputy Commander Lieutenant General John W. Brennan and Ambassador Robert Scott held an online press briefing to provide some insight into the U.S. intentions. There is an unmistakable desire to deepen security links and avert the threat of terrorism and insurgency, which poses a risk beyond the Continent. 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It is not surprising then that the U.S. is desperately seeking a friendly outpost on the Continent, and Southern Africa seems to be a willing partner. Secretary of State Marco Rubio has recently spoken of how the U.S. is moving away from a "charity-based foreign aid model" to partnerships with African countries that "demonstrate the ability and willingness to help themselves." Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ The US is a serial opportunist. Its roving eye is easily drawn to speedy, high-dividend transactions rather than long and steady associations. The U.S. expects that SADC will be up for sale, like much of Africa. Too often, the Continent is little more than a passing fancy in the rivalries of great nations. 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IOL News
4 hours ago
- IOL News
Netanyahu meets security officials as Israel considers full Gaza takeover
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The Citizen
5 hours ago
- The Citizen
'Courage shown by freedom fighters should be extended'-Mashatile
Mashatile said the ANC would continue to honour the country's freedom fighters. Deputy President Paul Mashatile says South Africa must never allow the death of freedom fighters to be in vain as the country progresses on a path of healing and protecting its democracy. Mashatile was speaking during the unveiling of a bust of former uMkhonto WeSizwe operative Mbulelo Ngono in the village of Lurhwayizo, Willowvale, in the Eastern Cape on Thursday. The freedom fighter was presumed dead around 1988 after he was abducted by the South African Security Police from Lesotho. Since then, it is unknown what happened to him. ALSO READ: Human Rights Day: 'SA needs to restore friendship and ubuntu' – Madonsela Mashatile said the courage shown by freedom fighters should be extended towards the government's priorities, which he said include inclusive growth, job creation, reducing poverty and the high cost of living and building an ethical state. 'We will forever remember their selflessness, courage, and commitment to fighting for the rights and freedoms of all in our nation. In all of them, we saw a steadfast drive and courage in the face of adversity, demonstrating great bravery, strength, and determination under very challenging circumstances.' 'Hero' Mashatile said Ngono was a heroic Umkhonto weSizwe soldier, who demonstrated 'amazing fortitude' during a 36-hour combat in 1987. 'His bravery and commitment to the fight for equality and freedom have left an everlasting impact on our country's history. 'His story exemplifies the sacrifices endured by countless heroes and heroines who relentlessly battled against oppression and injustice. His dedication to the Freedom Movement inspires us all, demonstrating the perseverance and drive that characterise our people's spirit,' Mashatile said. Remains Mashatile added that the government is obligated to continue efforts until the Ngono family's demand for the recovery, repatriation and reburial of the remains is ultimately met, allowing them to find closure. 'We are pleased that the Department of Justice and Constitutional Development, through the NPA (National Prosecuting Authority) Missing Persons Task Team, has been activated and that this is one of the cases they are currently investigating,' said Mashatile. Freedom fighters Mashatile said the ANC would continue to honour the country's freedom fighters. 'The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa emphasises the importance of honouring those who have sacrificed their lives for the country, acknowledging past injustices, respecting those who have worked to build and develop the country, and believing that South Africa belongs to all its citizens, united in its diversity.' Task team He said the ANC-led government will forever honour the memory of these former MK Combatants and ensure that their legacy lives on. 'In honour of these brave individuals, we have established the Presidential Task Team on Military Veterans to resolve issues and needs brought to the attention of the Government, regarding Military Veterans' benefits and assistance as well as to improve access to services for them.' Mashatile said the unveiling of the Mbulelo Ngono Bust must be a reminder of where 'we come from as a country as we face the current challenges.' ALSO READ: WATCH: Mashatile denies family tied to multibillion-rand lottery deal
