This updated Gaza Crisis Appeal is seeking $551.2 million to respond to the most basic needs of the population. However, humanitarian assistance and a strong mobilization of resources alone will be insufficient for Gaza to recover, and we cannot return to the status quo ante.
All parties must allow and facilitate the rapid and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian relief for civilians in need.As the Occupying Power, Israel is responsible for ensuring that the basic needs of Palestinians are met.
Adequate funding for the Appeal is critical; however pre-existing restrictions on materials needed to re-build homes, schools and hospitals, to repair roads, electricity lines and water and sanitation networks need to be lifted to restore the local economy and social services.
The last weeks of conflict have brought into stark relief the need for fundamental change – to allow Palestinians in Gaza to lead a normal life and ensure their ability to enjoy fully their human rights. The cumulative impact of years of violence and occupation has damaged the very fabric of society in Gaza. The lives of hundreds of thousands of children and youth have been overshadowed by recurrent violence, impunity, poverty and despair. Families have been separated and communities pulled apart. The ceasefire presents an opportunity to bring about transformational change in Gaza – from death and despair to hope and opportunity.
Without such change, recovering from the past 50 days of conflict will be near impossible and the ground will be laid for another round of hostilities in the future.