Nowhere to go: Unveiling the heart of Rafah’s crisis

February 20, 2024 Occupied Palestinian Territory -

Reacting to the crisis unfolding in Rafah, Gaza, Islamic Relief’s head of global advocacy, Shahin Ashraf, calls again for action to end the suffering.

Shahin Ashraf, Islamic Relief’s head of global advocacy

The silent scream within my heart echoes the agony of those trapped amidst relentless bombardments. In Gaza, the toll of death and despair has surpassed comprehension: Over 29,000 Palestinians, including 12,300 children and 8,400 women, have been killed. With another 69,000 injured and over 7,000 missing, of which 70% are children and women, the crisis continues to escalate. Shockingly, among the deceased are 130 journalists, 340 healthcare workers, and 46 civil defence workers and 160 United Nations staff, painting a harrowing picture of the toll exacted by the ongoing attack.

My heart aches as we see reports coming in from Rafah where over half of Gaza’s population is squeezed into less than 20% of the territory, totalling a staggering 1.4 million souls. The accounts paint a grim picture of escalated airstrikes and alarming rhetoric from Israeli authorities. Despite being initially designated by Israel as a “safe zone” for civilians, Rafah has become a place of suffering for those forced to endure the brutalities of conflict and displacement. The statistics alone speak volumes about the magnitude of the humanitarian crisis gripping this besieged region.

The world looks away as millions suffer in Gaza

Watching this unfolding catastrophe in real-time on our screens is a heart-wrenching experience, as the suffering of millions remains unheeded. Despite the overwhelming evidence before our eyes, it feels as though the world is choosing to look away. The pain and anguish of Gaza’s 2.4 million souls is palpable, yet the response from the global community falls far short of what is desperately needed.

I cannot fathom the depths of horror facing ordinary Palestinians enduring such conditions.

For years, Gaza has been subjected to a brutal siege, severely restricting the flow of goods and people in and out of the territory. But now, the situation has reached a critical point, as starvation is being used as a weapon of war.

Families are resorting to desperate measures to survive. With food prices skyrocketing and aid barely trickling in, many are forced to eat whatever they can find, including grass and wild plants. Children are in particular peril, with under 5s especially vulnerable to malnutrition, their lives hanging in the balance.

Attacks on Palestinian healthcare facilities and ambulances

Israeli military actions, both on the ground and from the air, have resulted in the shutdown of Gaza’s second-largest hospital. The World Health Organization (WHO), confirmed on Sunday that Nasser Hospital, located in Khan Younis in southern Gaza, is now non-operational. The hospital’s closure follows weeks of intensified siege and deadly raids, leaving the local population in a precarious healthcare situation.

Amidst this chaos, new lives emerge into a world filled with uncertainty and hardship. In Gaza, a staggering 52,000 women are preparing to bring forth life, thousands of whom will give birth within the next month. Hundreds of these brave mothers will face complications during delivery.

In Rafah, the situation is particularly dire. Displaced mothers, already burdened by displacement and the horrors of conflict, are confronting the harsh reality of limited access to essential health facilities tailored to their needs. In this tumultuous landscape, the journey of childbirth becomes a poignant symbol of resilience and struggle, highlighting the urgent need for support and resources to ensure the safety and well-being of both mother and child.

The ongoing attacks on health facilities and shortages of essential supplies, health workers are facing significant challenges. Recent reports indicate severe damage to hospitals. The World Health Organisation (WHO) recorded 378 attacks on healthcare facilities and ambulances, primarily in Gaza and North Gaza governorates, highlighting the urgent need for protection and support for healthcare workers in the region.

These appalling actions raise profound questions about the moral and legal justifications behind such assaults on healthcare facilities and personnel, demanding urgent attention.

But liberal democracies remain largely silent, failing to condemn the atrocities being committed against the people of Gaza. Diplomatic efforts have faltered, with politicians speaking in contradictory terms and liberal democracies turning a blind eye to the suffering of innocent civilians.

Palestinian families cut off from life-saving aid

Even more disturbing is the suspension of funds to crucial humanitarian organisations like UNRWA, a UN agency supporting the relief and development of Palestinian refugees which provides a lifeline to many in Gaza. This unjust and irresponsible decision threatens to exacerbate an already dire situation, leaving countless families without access to vital aid.

But amidst the darkness, there are glimmers of hope. Countries like Spain and Ireland have stepped up to support UNRWA, pledging millions of euros to ensure that vital humanitarian assistance continues to reach those in need. Their actions serve as a reminder that solidarity and compassion can still prevail in the face of adversity.

Islamic Relief is a lifeline in Gaza

The people of Gaza deserve nothing less than our unwavering support and solidarity in their darkest hour. Islamic Relief continue to deliver much-needed aid in Gaza. Our psychosocial first aid programmes in several shelters offer recreational activities for children in Rafah – a respite from the traumas they now endure every day. We are delivering ready-to-eat meals which have reached families in Rafah and blankets delivered to help thousands of people through the cold nights. These initiatives aim to address immediate needs and provide support to vulnerable populations amidst challenging circumstances.

As I sit here in the UK, I ponder what further actions we can take to compel our leaders to heed our voices. We’ve gathered outside Downing Street, signed statements of urgency, witnessed organisations projecting messages onto the walls of Parliament, marched in solidarity, demonstrated our collective will, and offered and continue to offer prayers for change. We’ve engaged with parliamentarians, pressing them with urgent questions. Working with decision-makers, we have urged governments to take action, and we see leading countries like Ireland doing so.

Still, the resounding silence from most world leaders remains deafening.

We must persevere. Our solidarity remains steadfast, and it is imperative that we persist in our efforts together. We must not stop talking about Gaza. We must amplify the voices of those who are suffering and share their stories far and wide. Whether through social media, through demonstrations, or conversations with friends and family, we must keep the spotlight on Gaza and refuse to let the world forget about the atrocities being committed against its people. We must continue to exert pressure for an immediate and lasting ceasefire, and an end to Israel’s siege so that vital humanitarian aid can reach people in Gaza.

Please help Islamic Relief support people in desperate need in Gaza: Donate to our Palestine Emergency Appeal now.

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