Representatives of seven Member States visit the Gaza Strip

Today, representatives of seven Member States visited the Gaza Strip to mark World Humanitarian Day in the occupied Palestinian territory. Led by the Humanitarian Coordinator Lynn Hastings, the event was attended by senior diplomats from Australia, Chile, Italy, Mexico, Norway, Spain and the United Kingdom.

The delegation visited Ash Shuja’iyeh area of Gaza city, where they met a family whose home was destroyed during the 2021 escalation of hostilities. They discussed the critical need to build and rehabilitate homes and to treat psychological trauma among children and adults.

Subsequently, the group visited the headquarters of the Palestine Red Crescent Society, where they paid tribute to frontline responders who often risk their lives to save those of others. They also learnt about the impact of attacks affecting medical workers and facilities.

World Humanitarian Day was marked globally in August, bringing together partners from across the humanitarian system to advocate for the survival, well-being and dignity of people affected by crises, and for the safety and security of aid workers.

In the occupied Palestinian territory, about 2.1 million people require humanitarian assistance, and thousands are involved in the effort to support them. They comprise volunteers, Palestinian NGO staff, municipal workers, government employees, and international actors, among others.

Ends

• For a statement by the Humanitarian Coordinator Lynn Hastings on World Humanitarian Day see https://ochaopt.org/content/world-humanitarian-day-occupied-palestinian-territory
• For information on the global campaign see www.worldhumanitarianday.org