Swiss aid agency denied access to Gaza to distribute humanitarian assistance

By Timo Kirez

GENEVA (AA) - A Swiss aid organization on Friday alleged that access to distribute humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip has been halted and that it is still awaiting Israel's approval to assist those in desperate need.

"Aid organizations demand access (from Israel) but do not receive it," said Hakam Awad, country director of the Evangelical Reformed Church of Switzerland (Heks), in an interview with Swiss Tamedia Group newspapers.

"At the moment, it is very difficult," said Awad, a Palestinian who lives in Jerusalem.

"We're assessing the situation and preparing to provide humanitarian assistance. We are coordinating with other actors and planning to assist as soon as possible," he said quoted by the Tages Anzeiger daily.

Heks' relief efforts will focus on basic necessities such as food, water, hygiene items, and tents, he added.

According to the director, while some supplies from previous aid deliveries are still available, "I don't know how long they will last."

Awad described the situation as perplexing, adding, "In recent years, the people's situation in Gaza has visibly deteriorated. But I've never seen such a humanitarian crisis."

"All entrances to Gaza have been closed. Since Sunday, there have been numerous airstrikes. The electric company announced today that there is no more electricity. This puts the water supply in jeopardy because the water pumps are powered by electricity," he explained.

"Egypt wanted to supply fuel for electricity generation. However, the Israeli authorities rejected this. The situation in the West Bank is also deteriorating," he added.

"The hospitals are completely overwhelmed by the situation. They lack the personnel and materials to care for all of the injured. Many people are currently seeking refuge in hospitals,” he said while describing the situation as a “huge mess."

In a dramatic escalation of tensions in the Middle East, Israeli forces have launched a sustained and forceful military campaign against the Gaza Strip in response to a military offensive by the Palestinian group Hamas in Israeli territory.

The conflict began last Saturday when Hamas launched Operation Al-Aqsa Flood against Israel. This was a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a series of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea, and air.

Hamas said the operation was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa mosque in occupied East Jerusalem and the increasing violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians.

In response, the Israeli military launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.

In response, Israel cut water and electricity supplies to Gaza, further worsening living conditions in an area that has suffered under a crippling siege since 2007.