Quaker statement as Israel blocks all humanitarian aid into Gaza

After 15 months of unspeakable violence and suffering, Israel announced yesterday that it has stopped all humanitarian aid from entering Gaza. This decision will deny the provision of vital supplies, including food and shelter, to two million Palestinians. Aid agencies confirmed that no trucks have entered the Strip since this morning.

The International Court of Justice made clear in March 2024 that Israel was obliged under the Genocide Convention to take all necessary and effective measures to ensure the “unhindered provision at scale" of humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in Gaza.

Quakers are clear: the threat of starvation and denial of vital humanitarian aid should never be used as a tool of war or a bargaining chip in negotiations. Israel must allow aid to flow into Gaza immediately.

We call on our government to put pressure on Israel to urgently re-open Gaza's borders before any more lives are lost.