April 5, 2024 – CARE Canada welcomes the announcement by Israeli Government that they will allow the temporary delivery of humanitarian aid through the Ashdod Port and the Erez land crossing, as well as increased deliveries from neighbouring Jordan at the Kerem Shalom crossing.
This is a positive step forward after yet another tragic week for civilians and the aid community in Gaza as we mourn the loss of 32,000 civilians killed in Gaza in the past nearly six months, as well as 196 humanitarian colleagues including and most recently those from World Central Kitchen.
The options outlined for delivering aid are by far the most efficient means of getting desperately needed aid into the area currently crippled by hunger, starvation and the ongoing impact of intense conflict.
This must now be immediately implemented along with fast tracked screening of relief items already at borders and with guaranteed protection for all aid workers and civilians, in line with IHL obligations.
However, given the scale of humanitarian needs and of infrastructure destruction, we need sustained – not temporary – access.
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CARE West Bank and Gaza
CARE International has been operating in the West Bank and Gaza since 1948. Prior to the current conflict, we were supporting about 200,000 Palestinians in Gaza and we continue to support about 300,000 in the West Bank to meet basic food needs, improve farming and agriculture, empower women to earn an income, support women’s leadership, and improve health programs focused on gender-based violence, sexual and reproductive health and children’s mental health.
Since the escalation of the conflict, the CARE team in Gaza was able to reach over 250,000 vulnerable displaced people with hygiene kits, shelter items such as blankets and mattresses, and drinking water. CARE also reached over 67,000 people with medical support, including medications, medical supplies and primary health services.
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.