A humanitarian catastrophe is taking place in Gaza.
In retaliation for the deadly assault on Israeli civilians by Hamas on October 7th, the Israeli army has unleashed the full force of its weaponry on the entire population of Gaza. It is difficult to give an accurate estimate of casualties because many people are trapped under rubble, but over 3000 people have already been killed, at least 1000 of them children, and many more wounded. They are unable to escape the bombardment as Israel has imposed a total blockade. The number of casualties rises every day.
The Israeli forces have targeted homes, schools, UNRWA food depots, shelters, and most appallingly, hospitals and ambulances. There is no electricity, no fresh water and no food or aid is allowed in. Bodies are piling up as the morgues have run out of space.
The bombing of hospitals is unequivocally a war crime, and cannot be justified as an act of self-defence. While undoubtedly Hamas has also committed atrocious war crimes, this does not exonerate Israel from its commitments under international law: the Fourth Geneva Convention specifically affords protection to civilians, including those in occupied territory. But the international community, including the UK, is doing nothing to prevent what is effectively ethnic cleansing. Instead, the UK government are supplying military assistance to Israel and abstained from voting on the UN resolution calling for a ’humanitarian pause’ in the fighting.
So it is up to ordinary people to do what they can. Even if we cannot stop the violence, at least we can support the courageous medical staff in Gaza, who are refusing to desert their patients in this crisis.
Some concerned residents of Knighton and its surrounds are organising a benefit for Medical Aid for Palestinians, on Saturday, October 28th, from 3 – 5.30 pm at Church Hall, Church St, Knighton
Entry will be by donation, all of which will go to MAP, who have launched an emergency appeal as medical supplies in Gaza are running out.
There will be music, poetry, tea and cake.
If you are unable to attend, but wish to make a donation, this can be done directly via the MAP website – map.org.uk.
