A Humanitarian Aid Corridor to Gaza Must Be Opened Immediately to Prevent Unprecedented Illness and Death

Anera calls for the immediate opening of a secure humanitarian aid corridor, the safe passage and protection of humanitarian aid workers, and an immediate ceasefire. Without these conditions, an already desperate situation in Gaza will become unimaginable.

The situation is dire. Without reliable access to clean and potable water, large numbers of Gazans will experience severe dehydration within days, or even hours. Already, there are reports of Gazans drinking salinated and sewage-contaminated water out of desperation. This will only result in widespread waterborne illness.

We were given a sliver of hope earlier today, when it was announced that aid might be allowed through the Rafah crossing during a three-hour ceasefire period. However, no aid was allowed to cross the border. It is imperative that water, food and medical supplies reach the people of Gaza immediately. Every hour that passes causes irreparable harm.

Israel restored a fraction of water access to parts of Gaza. However, without electricity or fuel, Gaza’s purification and desalination plants cannot operate. And, with the mass destruction of the water and sanitation infrastructure caused by the indiscriminate bombardment, even this unclean water cannot reach most people in Gaza.

We call on the global community to raise their voices. Together, we can make a difference to save lives and alleviate the unimaginable suffering in Gaza. Humanity calls for action, and we must answer that call.