After the ceasefire agreement that came into effect on January 19, 2025, the Israeli authorities partially lifted the heavy obstacles that had been hindering the arrival of humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip. This allowed a return to supply levels observed before October 2023. Fifteen months of atrocities committed against Palestinians and the massive destruction of civilian infrastructure have led to a humanitarian catastrophe that must be addressed through the massive, continuous, and unhindered delivery of essential supplies.
After less than two months of temporary halt in hostilities, Médecins du Monde and other health actors managed to re-establish primary health care centres in previously inaccessible areas, to restore and expand services in existing facilities. However, half of Gaza’s hospitals are not operational, northern Gaza and Rafah still face a shortage of health services, and sanitary conditions remain conducive to the emergence of outbreaks of communicable diseases. Our efforts to restore vital health care for Palestinians in Gaza are now paralyzed by this new complete siege imposed by the Israeli authorities on the Gaza Strip.
For fifteen months, world leaders have failed to exert real political pressure on the Israeli authorities to put an end to the massacres, mutilations, and forced displacements of Palestinians, as well as the massive destruction of their homes, schools, health system, and infrastructure essential to their survival. However, it is never too late to act. Today, it is crucial that third-party states prove their commitment to respecting and enforcing international humanitarian law and that this commitment goes beyond mere declarations. More than ever, we must reaffirm that international humanitarian law remains relevant and applicable to all, by exerting real pressure on the Israeli authorities to reopen all border crossings for the delivery of humanitarian aid, and by calling on both parties to the conflict to commit to a permanent ceasefire and to the protection of all civilians.