Humanitarian leaders reject unilateral Israeli proposals for “safe zones” in Gaza

The Principals of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee and Humanitarian Chiefs, representing a coalition of key international organizations, have issued a joint statement reaffirming their refusal to participate in any unilateral Israeli proposals to establish "safe zones" in Gaza. In the midst of the Israeli aggression and the resulting widespread displacement of almost 1.6 million people in Gaza, the humanitarian leaders underscored the critical importance of addressing the essential needs of the civilian population, including food, water, shelter, hygiene, health assistance, and safety. The joint statement confirmed the potential harm that unilateral creation of "safe zones" could inflict on civilians, risking large-scale loss of life, emphasizing that no "safe zone" can truly be safe when declared or enforced unilaterally. 'Without the right conditions, concentrating civilians in such zones in the context of active hostilities can raise the risk of attack and additional harm. No 'safe zone' is truly sa fe when it is declared unilaterally or enforced by the presence of armed forces,' the statement read. The Principals argued that such Israeli actions could elevate the risk of attacks and additional harm, emphasizing that the concentration of civilians in declared zones during active hostilities must be approached with caution. The signatories, including Emergency Relief Coordinator Mr. Martin Griffiths, expressed their commitment to the assistance and protection of civilians and called for a humanitarian ceasefire to alleviate suffering and facilitate necessary humanitarian operations. The statement also reiterated their call for the release of all hostages. The Principals emphasized that none of the humanitarian organizations they represent has been involved in preparations for the arrival of displaced people in any prospective "safe zone" in Gaza. They renewed their commitment to providing essential services to those in need and call on all parties involved to prioritize the well-being of civilians and adhere to international humanitarian and human rights obligations. ---- Signatories: Mr. Martin Griffiths, Emergency Relief Coordinator and Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) Ms. Sofia Sprechmann Sineiro, Secretary General, CARE International Ms. Jane Backhurst, Chair, ICVA Board (Christian Aid) Mr. Jamie Munn, Executive Director, International Council of Voluntary Agencies (ICVA) Ms. Anne Goddard, Chief Executive Officer and President a.i., InterAction Ms. Amy E. Pope, Director General, International Organization for Migration (IOM) Ms. Tjada D'Oyen McKenna, Chief Executive Officer, Mercy Corps Mr. Volker Trk, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Ms. Janti Soeripto, President and Chief Executive Officer, Save the Children Ms. Paula Gaviria Betancur, United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons (SR on HR of IDPs) Mr. Achim Steiner, Administrator, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Dr. Natalia Kanem, Execu tive Director, United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Mr. Filippo Grandi, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Ms. Maimunah Mohd Sharif, Executive Director, United Nations Human Settlement Programme (UN-Habitat) Ms. Catherine Russell, Executive Director, United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) Ms. Sima Bahous, Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director, UN Women Ms. Cindy McCain, Executive Director, World Food Programme (WFP) Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General, World Health Organization (WHO) Source: Palestine news and Information Agency – WAFA