World Vision calls for both sides to commit to cease-fire as new fighting threatens aid
- World Vision has provided aid to 10,000 people, but much more is needed
- World Vision teams are on the ground assessing the scale of needs
- Food, water, fuel, medical supplies and psychosocial support for children are most urgent
- The end of the ceasefire means World Vision cannot address the needs of children, and will cause more suffering for children
August 8, 2014. JERUSALEM – World Vision called for an immediate return to the cease-fire between Hamas and Israel, after renewed fighting killed another child and forced the organization to halt its response to the critical needs of Palestinians in Gaza.
“People are in urgent need of food and clean water. Children badly need support dealing with the horrors they’ve been subjected to over the last month. Hospitals need fuel and medical supplies to care for the wounded,” Alex Snary, National Director of World Vision’s work in Jerusalem, West Bank and Gaza. “We can’t provide that aid unless the fighting stops. We need it to stop now, and to stop for good.”
While the truce held, World Vision helped about 10,000 people through distributions of food parcels and hygiene kits, and by providing fuel, medical supplies and bed sheets for hospitals. About 1,000 children also began receiving psychosocial support. Teams are on the ground now to assess the full scale of the needs as well as damage to World Vision projects in place prior to the conflict.
Most of the Gaza population has to cope with severe shortages in water and power services. Power cuts still extend up to 22 hours daily. Food availability remains limited due to the lack of electricity for refrigeration and lack of access to farmed land and to fishing waters.
Within hours of the breakdown of the truce, at least one more child has been reported killed, and 12 people injured in airstrikes launched in response to rocket attacks from Gaza. Three settlers were wounded in Israel.
“A lasting and just peace is the only long-term solution for both sides,” said Snary. “The first step is a cease-fire that allows children and communities to begin the road to recovery.”
World Vision calls on both parties to fulfil their responsibility of protecting children and civilians.
For media inquiries, please contact Armenuhi Sahakyan at World Vision
Email: armenuhi_sahakyan@wvi.org, Skype: armenuhisah, Phone: + +37495005221
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Notes to editors
World Vision is a Christian relief, development and advocacy organisation dedicated to working with children, families and communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice.
World Vision believes the ongoing occupation and conflict has robbed generations of Palestinian and Israeli children of peace, justice, and hope for a future where fullness of life is possible.