OCTOBER 13, 2023 – “We are deeply worried about the order given to over one million people in the northern part of the Gaza Strip to evacuate within 24 hours towards the southern part of the enclave.
With intense shelling continuing, a lack of transportation, and all utilities now cut, it is simply impossible for such a large number of people – including women, children, the elderly, people with disabilities, and large numbers of wounded in hospitals – to find safe passage. Additionally, there are no structures – shelter, water, food, medical care, protection – for them on arrival.
Innocent Palestinians should not bear the cost of the response to the horrible act of terror perpetrated against innocent Israelis. Half of the population in Gaza are children. If such an order stays in place, the humanitarian consequences will be on a scale that we have not seen in the region in recent history.
We are also very worried about the fate of our colleagues and their families. They are terrified. We implore those with the power to do so to immediately de-escalate the cycle of violence and prioritize the protection of civilians’ lives in Gaza, including of humanitarian workers, as mandated by international humanitarian law. We can still avoid the worst-case scenario.“
-30-
CARE has spokespeople available. For media inquiries, please contact:
Media Relations
CARE Canada
media@care.ca
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.