« Civilians in Gaza in need of protection - International humanitarian and development aid agencies call for immediate and unobstructed access to provide for basic human needs »

For Release : 7 July 2006

The undersigned international non-governmental organizations express their grave concern about the severe impact of recent actions in Gaza. In particular, the damage to essential civilian physical infrastructure has resulted in the complete destruction of Gaza’s only electrical power plant and damage to other basic services, including water delivery and sewage treatment facilities. Civilians, and in particular children, are entitled to special protection under International Humanitarian Law, specifically the Fourth Geneva Convention. It is not acceptable to target the vital civilian infrastructure that supports them. The following agencies call for the urgent protection of civilians in Gaza, as well as immediate and unobstructed access for the delivery of critical humanitarian aid and supplies necessary to provide for basic human needs.

Action contra el Hombre Palestinian Territories
American Friends Service Committee
Campaign for the Children of Palestine
CARE International
Catholic Relief Services
Comitato Internazionale per lo Sviluppo dei Popoli- C.I.S.P.
GVC (Gruppo Volontariato Civile - Italia)
Japan International Volunteer Center (JVC)
Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation
Medical Aid for Palestinians - UK
Mercy Corps
Mennonite Central Committee
Norwegian Church Aid
Save the Children Sweden
Save the Children UK
Swedish Cooperative Centre
The Lutheran World Federation
World Vision International

ENDS

Notes to Editors

For additional information, contact :

Elizabeth Sime, Country Director, CARE International, mobile number (54) 7797736.