LONDON—A UK parliamentary committee expressed concern this week over the “savagery” in Gaza following its return from a trip to Al-Arish in Egypt’s Sinai peninsula.
The International Development Committee, which looks into FCDO spending, paid a visit to Al-Arish, which serves as a sort of logistical center for aid entering Gaza through the strictly regulated crossing. MPs also went to a nearby hospital where wounded Palestinians are receiving care.
After returning, committee chair Labour MP Sarah Champion said, “Nothing that has been revealed bracing you for the real magnitude of the horror in Gaza.” The amounts of violence and devastation are just not being accurately reported to us.
It truly hit home the brutality befalling civilians when we heard from seasoned humanitarians that what they’ve seen in Gaza constitutes the worst disaster they’ve ever seen. Aid workers asked why civilians, humanitarians, and medical personnel were not treated in accordance with international law on several occasions.
The committee was notified of concerns that Israel plans to move forward with an extensive assault in Rafah, which had been recognized as the final “safe zone” in Gaza, according to a statement released by the IDC.
Rafah, which once held less than 300,000 people, is now home to well over half of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents. Many of these individuals have been internally moved more than once as a result of adhering to Israeli directives to relocate to “safe areas.”
The ongoing aerial bombardment of Rafah has resulted in additional deaths and the destruction of vital infrastructure that is required for the delivery of critically needed food, water, and medical assistance, according to the report.
“We knew about the unlawful behavior in Gaza, with Hamas police getting killed and residents getting more and more desperate,” Ms. Champion continued. In my opinion, the UN’s residual backing will eventually end, leaving the Palestinian people completely on their own, unless anything is done to stabilize the situation.
“Politicians everywhere must call for an immediate cessation of hostilities, unrestricted access to aid, and a long-term plan to reconstruct Gaza’s infrastructure and society.”
The UK Parliament has heard testimony from assistance organizations operating in Gaza twice since October 7. During these sessions, the IDC has heard “shocking and horrifying proof of the desperate and deteriorating” humanitarian as well as healthcare situation in Gaza.
SOURCE: DAWN NEWS
