Robert Abela Endorses Global Appeal For Aid And Ceasefire In Gaza
Malta is among 27 countries calling for urgent action against ‘unprecedented’ suffering in Gaza.
The situation in Gaza is inhumane, with people dying of starvation and fearing for their lives everyday.
In a post penned to Facebook by Prime Minister Robert Abela, “Malta is among a number of countries whose governments are calling for much-needed humanitarian aid to be allowed into Gaza and for it to arrive unhindered.”
In a joint statement on aid to Gaza and restrictions facing NGOs, signed by 27 countries including Malta, countries like Australia, Italy, Germany, France, Japan, the UK and Malta have signed, along with the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and European Commissioners are warning that “help should never be politicised” and the “humanitarian space should be protected.”
This comes after Israel imposed new registration requirements which could mean several international assistance organisations leaving Palestine, risking the deterioration of the current situation in Gaza.
“Faced with a precarious situation where people are dying of hunger and thirst, we have never been and still less can remain silent,” Abela continued.
In the statement, they are calling for “the government of Israel to provide authorisation for all international NGO aid shipments and to unblock essential humanitarian actors from operating. Immediate, permanent and concrete steps must be taken to facilitate safe, large-scale access for the UN, international NGOs and humanitarian partners.”
“All crossings and routes must be used to allow a flood of aid into Gaza, including food, nutrition supplies, shelter, fuel, clean water, medicine and medical equipment. Lethal force must not be used at distribution sites, and civilians, humanitarians and medical workers must be protected.”
The statement was closed off with an expression of gratitude towards the US, Qatar and Egypt for their efforts in the pursuit of peace and their efforts in pushing for a ceasefire.
“We need a ceasefire that can end the war, for hostages to be released and aid to enter Gaza by land unhindered.”
Is enough action being taken against the current situation in Gaza?
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