The Horrors in Gaza Must End

Overnight, the Israeli military launched a devastating wave of airstrikes across Gaza, claiming the lives of more than 400 people — one of the deadliest nights since the war began. Anera’s staff, thankfully, remain unharmed and have not had to evacuate at the time of writing. However, an estimated 65,000 survivors across Gaza, from Beit Hanoun to Rafah, have been ordered to evacuate and forced to flee their homes and shelters.

This latest escalation comes after more than two weeks without any humanitarian aid. Israel has closed all crossings since March 2. The remaining hospitals and clinics are struggling to treat the wounded, facing dangerously low or depleted supplies of medicines and healthcare items. Anera’s primary healthcare centers in Deir Al Balah and Khan Younis were forced to temporarily halt their operations today due to the violence.

Gaza’s population is entirely reliant on aid, and with the crossings closed, food supplies have dwindled to catastrophic levels. Prices are beyond the reach of many, and the blockade continues to disrupt critical humanitarian efforts like Anera’s, which have been vital in staving off famine. In the past days, the lack of supplies has forced us to pause our food distribution.

“This will be catastrophic — resuming attacks without medical aid or food entering Gaza, especially when most health facilities are already suffering from depleted medicine and supplies,” said an Anera staffer in Gaza.

Despite these challenges, Anera’s teams in Gaza and beyond are preparing to respond. Based on our experience over the past 18 months and through previous halts in aid, we know the primary needs on the ground and how to meet them. Our teams are ready to send medicines, food and shelter supplies into Gaza as soon as the blockade is lifted.

There can be no delay in securing supplies, loading trucks and distributing aid. Every moment counts, and every second of hesitation puts the health and survival of those who have endured 18 months of conflict at greater risk.

These attacks must end immediately and the border crossings must be urgently reopened to permit the entry of humanitarian assistance.