Turkish Red Crescent President Fatma Meriç Yılmaz, in her written statement on the occasion of August 19 World Humanitarian Day, stated that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza clearly shows why it is vital for humanitarian aid to be accessible.
Emphasizing that the availability of food, medicine or clean water alone is not enough, Yılmaz stated that the main thing is that this vital support reaches those in need on time, safely, uninterruptedly and in a way that befits human dignity.
Yılmaz pointed out that humanitarian aid for a child who does not have access to clean water also means protection from diseases, and said, "For a child who cannot be adequately nourished, it means being able to maintain healthy development, and for a patient waiting for treatment, it means being able to access medicine and health services on time. The consequences of the interruption of humanitarian aid cannot be measured only by the aid packages that cannot be delivered." he said.
Stating that the humanitarian response to this is more malnutrition, higher risk of disease and preventable humanitarian losses, Yılmaz said, "Humanitarian aid is not only an available resource, but a lifeline that must reach those in need. In Gaza today, the continuity of access to clean water, adequate nutrition, medicine and health services directly affects human life. Humanitarian aid must reach Gaza uninterruptedly, and humanitarian aid workers and volunteers who deliver this aid must also be protected." made his assessment.
The healthcare system in Gaza has been under heavy pressure for a long time
According to the statement made by the Turkish Red Crescent, World Humanitarian Day, which is commemorated every year on August 19, draws attention to the humanitarian aid work carried out to protect the lives and dignity of people affected by crises, the importance of access to humanitarian aid, and the risks faced by the workers delivering this aid.
The ongoing humanitarian conditions in Palestine, and especially in Gaza, once again reveal the vital importance of aid not only entering the region but also reaching those in need in a safe, regular and uninterrupted manner.
Current reports of international organizations indicate that inadequacies in clean water and sanitation services, crowded living conditions, food insecurity and loss of capacity in the health system increase the risks, especially for children, patients, the elderly and displaced people.
The health system in Gaza has been under heavy pressure for a long time, difficulties in accessing basic medicine and medical supplies, and the deterioration in clean water and sanitation conditions continue to pose a serious risk to public health.
Data from humanitarian organizations reveal that acute respiratory infections, skin diseases and acute watery diarrhea are among the common health problems in Gaza. Lack of access to clean water, waste and sewage problems, and the fact that people have to live in crowded areas increase the risk of the spread of infectious diseases.
Recent international assessments also point out that access to safe and regular water in Gaza remains significantly limited. Especially children's lack of access to safe drinking water and basic health services, combined with inadequate hygiene conditions, can lead to more severe consequences of diarrhea, skin diseases and other preventable health problems.
It is vital to protect civilians in conflict-affected areas
Humanitarian aid workers and volunteers working to reach those in need in crisis areas also face serious security risks.
The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), of which the Turkish Red Crescent is a part, emphasizes the need to protect humanitarian aid workers and volunteers working in different parts of the world with the call "Protect Humanity".
The protection of civilians, healthcare workers, humanitarian aid personnel, healthcare facilities and ambulances in conflict-affected areas, especially in Gaza, is of vital importance for the continuation of humanitarian aid activities in line with the principles of impartiality, independence and non-discrimination.
With the call "Humanitarian Aid Must Be Accessible" on World Humanitarian Day, Turkish Red Crescent ensures that people affected by humanitarian crises, especially in Gaza, have safe and uninterrupted access to food, clean water, health and other basic services; It emphasizes once again that humanitarian aid workers and volunteers should be able to continue their duties in safe conditions.
