Civil Society Organizations: The Catastrophic Humanitarian Situation in the Sector Requires a Comprehensive and Immediate Response Plan

SadaNews - The Palestinian Network of Civil Society Organizations demands immediate action alongside the establishment of a ceasefire against the aggression and the resolution of the swap deal that involves the release of 250 life-sentenced prisoners, in addition to 1718 detainees arrested after October 7, along with the remains of several martyrs withheld under the terms of this deal, which must continue to stem the bloodshed of Palestinians despite the obstacles posed by the occupying state and the ongoing manipulation. The network emphasizes its fundamental demand to work on preserving the means of life, protecting vulnerable groups, and addressing daily issues in light of the ongoing retrieval of bodies from under the rubble, amid the catastrophic situation in the sector caused by the immense destruction left by the genocide and what the occupying government has perpetrated against innocent civilians in the Gaza Strip.

The network reaffirms the importance of developing a comprehensive and immediate response plan involving all parties and civil society within the framework of addressing the effects of the aggression. This plan should entail addressing the requirements of the health sector and medical services, which is on the brink of collapse and has been functioning for two years under genocide conditions with almost no resources available. Immediate action is required to introduce aid and food and relief truck convoys under the umbrella of the United Nations and international institutions, and to deliver assistance to the most affected and needy groups among the victims of forced displacement and homelessness due to the destruction of their homes, which now lack shelter, totaling more than 1.5 million citizens.

The network calls for intensifying efforts within the emergency humanitarian response plan to secure urgent humanitarian needs, rehabilitate water and sanitation networks, and essential services, while ensuring the introduction of all necessary supplies to address emergency health conditions. Moreover, it seeks to expand participation in humanitarian relief campaigns to effectively provide those in need with the essential requirements of life within unified efforts, noting that estimates indicate approximately 60 million tons of rubble from the systematic destruction and the survey of population squares, with nearly 80% of citizens in the sector displaced.

The network views the entry of around 400 trucks into the sector carrying essential materials and humanitarian aid as an important step but insufficient. It demands an increase in their numbers to supply citizens with the basic means of livelihood and ensure their delivery to those in need, while also protecting the Palestinian presence in the sector and the steadfastness of the people despite the devastation that has affected various fields and may require years for reconstruction and development.