Brussels, Belgium, 2 May 2024 —  The International Rescue Committee (IRC) is joining 250 organisations participating in today’s Global Day of Action to demand that all states immediately halt the transfer of weapons, parts, and ammunition to Israel and Palestinian armed groups. 

Gaza today is the most dangerous place to be a child, a journalist, and an aid worker. An estimated 45,000 bombs, weighing more than 65,000 tonnes, are reported to have been dropped during the first 89 days of the conflict alone. Over 34,000 Palestinians have been killed, including by bombings and sniper fire, while over 12,000 children have suffered injuries – many life-altering. 

The IRC reiterates its urgent call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire and the release of all hostages. All states - including those within the European Union - should halt the transfer of arms  that could be used to commit violations of international humanitarian and human rights law in Gaza. Read the full statement here.

Imogen Sudbery, IRC’s Senior Director, Advocacy, Europe, says:

“For months, the ability of humanitarian actors to work in Gaza has been severely inhibited by Israel’s relentless bombardment - one of the most intense uses of explosive weapons in a densely populated area this century. This, alongside the siege, has created an unprecedented humanitarian crisis, rendering Gaza uninhabitable and depriving almost all of the population – millions of people – of essential food, clean water, and healthcare for six months.

In January, a near-fatal airstrike on a residential compound, where International Rescue Committee (IRC) and Medical Aid for Palestinian (MAP) humanitarian staff were resting, was fired by the Israeli military from an F16 jet, manufactured in the US using parts supplied by the UK. This – and countless other attacks on aid workers – exemplifies the challenges that humanitarian organisations and their staff are facing in their attempts to deliver lifesaving medical assistance and other support. 

“With Israeli bombardment continuing throughout Gaza and a potential military offensive on Rafah in days, on this Global Day of Action we are joining over 250 civil society organisations to demand international action now. The EU and its member states must leverage all their influence to achieve an immediate and permanent ceasefire in Gaza and secure the release of all hostages.”