ISRAELI AUTHORITIES REIMPOSES TOTAL SIEGE ON GAZA:
MdM NETWORK WARNS AGAINST WEAPONIZATION OF
DEPRIVATION OF AID

On Sunday 2 March, the Israeli government stopped all entry of supplies, including humanitarian aid, into the Gaza Strip. After systematically blocking lifesaving resources for 15 months, Israeli authorities are reinstating a full siege against the enclave by closing all crossings for the entry of humanitarian supplies. Médecins du Monde (MdM) International Network knows from experience that this decision will have catastrophic consequences on people’s health.

After the ceasefire agreement entered into force on 19 January 2025, Israeli authorities lifted part of the heavy impediments imposed on entry of aid into the Gaza Strip, restoring the volume of supplies to levels seen prior to October 2023. Fifteen months of atrocities committed against Palestinians and the widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure have resulted in a humanitarian disaster that can only be addressed through the full, unrestricted, and large-scale delivery of lifesaving supplies and materials.

In less than two months of pause in hostilities and enhanced access, MdM and other health actors managed to re-establish primary healthcare centers in previously inaccessible areas, restore functionality, and expand services in existing structures. However, half of Gaza’s hospitals remain non-functional, northern Gaza and Rafah continue to face a shortage of health services, and the conditions for an outbreak of communicable diseases persist. Our efforts to restore lifesaving healthcare for Palestinians in Gaza are now being incapacitated by the reimposition of the total Israeli siege on the Strip.

“By cutting off again 2 million people from food, medicine, and other lifesaving supplies, Israeli authorities are condemning the most vulnerable, including children, the elderly, and the sick, to die from starvation, lack of medical care, and substandard shelter.”

Morgane Rousseau, Director of Médecins du Monde Suisse

“For 15 months, world leaders have failed to apply genuine political pressure on Israeli authorities to halt the mass killing, maiming and forcible transfer of Palestinians, and the widespread destruction of their homes, schools, health system, and essential infrastructure necessary for survival. But it is never too late to act. Now is another critical moment for Third States to prove that their commitment to respecting and ensuring respect for international humanitarian law is more than just words. Now, more than ever, we must reaffirm that international humanitarian law remains relevant and applicable to all by applying real pressure on Israeli authorities to reopen all border crossings for the access of humanitarian aid and call the two parties of the conflict to commit to a permanent ceasefire and to protect all civilians.”

José Fernandez, President of Médecins du Monde Spain