The International Committee of the Red Cross announced today, Friday, that humanitarian organizations will not be able to assist over a million people in Gaza who have been given a 24-hour ultimatum by Israel to leave their homes and head to the south of the territory. The committee confirmed that Israel’s demand for residents to relocate south within 24 hours, amid a blockade that deprives them of food, water, and electricity, "is not in accordance with international humanitarian law."
The committee added in a statement that "under military blockade conditions, humanitarian organizations, including the International Committee of the Red Cross, will be unable to assist in this mass displacement of the population in Gaza." It continued: "The needs are enormous, and humanitarian organizations must be able to scale up relief operations." The committee's office in Gaza has received instructions to relocate to the south, just like the residents. The statement expressed deep concern for their colleagues in Gaza and their families.
Thousands of buildings have been destroyed. Mass casualties are unlike anything seen in past years. The medical system is on its knees. As Gaza loses power, hospitals also lose power. Water cannot be pumped, and sewage systems will likely flood. People have nowhere else to go.
