Yousef: The world is hurting itself by ignoring the disaster in Gaza

Head of the Popular International Committee to Support, Dr Essam Yousef, urged the UN to carrying out its duty of putting an end to the suffering of over two million people in Gaza on the ninth anniversary of the Israeli war “Operation Cast Lead” and the passing of over ten years since the unjust blockade was imposed on the Strip.

In a press release issued, Yousef said the international community is hurting itself and its reputation by continuing to turn a blind eye and ignoring the blockade imposed on Gaza and the resulting humanitarian disaster. This is especially true because one of its main duties are to preserve world peace and implement international laws, conventions and charters, especially those related to humanitarian issues.

He called on the international community to pressure the Israeli government to lift the blockade on Gaza and put an end to the suffering it has caused in various aspects of life, including the health, education and social sectors.

The successive Israeli wars and attacks on Gaza, which coincide with the crippling illegal and inhumane blockade over the past years, have resulted in a true humanitarian crisis in every sense of the word.

Yousef stated that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has manifested itself in various forms, including the issues faced by the health sector, as a result of a shortage in medication and medical supplies and equipment. Employees have also stopped coming to work since they have not been paid for a long time, and this has led to the health sector being unable to provide its services in a proper manner.

Read: Palestinians locked in as Israel closes Gaza crossings

Palestinian factions must make ending the suffering of the Gazans a priority, he added, along with the other challenges they are facing as a result of the developments in the political arena regarding Jerusalem after US President Donald Trump’s recognition of the occupied Holy City as Israel’s capital.

He also called on the Palestinian factions to quickly complete the pending national reconciliation and to announce the final agreement in order to end the division. The most important result of this agreement would be opening the doors to the Gazans allowing them to move freely to and from the Gaza Strip, to receive all the basic needs for life, and get the economy moving.

Yousef also requested that Egypt open the Rafah crossing permanently, making Cairo the initiator and pioneer in ending the blockade imposed on Gaza.