Statement from Sofia Sprechmann Sineiro, CARE International Secretary General
ECUADOR, OCTOBER 12, 2023 – “We are alarmed by the outburst of violence in Israel and Gaza that shows no signs of abating and risks spreading to other territories. The atrocities committed against innocent civilians are beyond comprehension. If the current escalation continues, the price already paid by civilians will surpass anything we have seen in decades.
CARE has worked in Gaza since 1948. Our colleagues there tell us there is no safe place for them, their families, or anyone else to seek shelter at this time.
Relevant internationally agreed laws must be upheld, which include ensuring that the people of Gaza have access to basic life-saving necessities, including safe water, food, and medical care.
The cuts in electricity and water supplies to the 2.3 million people of the Gaza Strip, half of whom are children, must be immediately lifted. Aid supplies inside Gaza will be exhausted very quickly, and water is already running out. It is also already impacting hospitals at a time when they are needed the most.
Previous experience shows that armed conflicts in the Gaza Strip, one of the most densely populated areas in the world which also hosts overcrowded refugee camps, cause high civilian casualties. The speed of the escalation in violence across this region is terrifying, first and foremost for those who have no clear escape route.
In what is one of the world’s most complex and polarising contexts, we urge compassion, humanity, and restraint by all sides. A de-escalation of this conflict is desperately required with the support of the international community and leaders in the region. All wars have laws, which all sides of this conflict must abide by.“
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About CARE Canada:
Founded in 1945 with the creation of the CARE Package℠, CARE is a leading humanitarian organization working around the globe to save lives, defeat poverty, and achieve social justice. CARE puts women and girls at the centre of our work because we know we cannot overcome poverty until all people have equal rights and opportunities. CARE develops solutions alongside women and girls to lift themselves, their families, and communities out of poverty and out of crisis. CARE works in over 100 countries around the world.
To learn more about CARE Canada, visit care.ca.