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A family who has fled their home arrive at this school in search of safety. Photo: Yousef Hammash/NRC

“These unprecedented hostilities – and rapidly mounting death toll – underscore the urgency for all parties to stop the violence and ensure civilians are protected,” says Ana Povrzenic, the Norwegian Refugee Council’s Country Director in Palestine.

At least 700 Israelis and 500 Palestinians have been killed. Thousands are injured.

More than 123,000 Palestinians have been displaced in Gaza, mostly to schools. Israeli civilians in adjacent cities and towns are either staying in underground shelters or have relocated.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate. Israel has announced that they will now lay a complete siege on Gaza and cut food, water and fuel. This represents a grave violation of international law.

No place to go

In Gaza, Palestinians have no place to flee to. They live in a besieged, densely populated enclave.

This escalation in violence comes on top of an existing dire humanitarian situation for the 2.2 million people who live in Gaza, a strip of land just 365 km2 in size.

Power cuts and fuel shortages warn of a looming disaster for people, damaging access to healthcare, electricity and clean water.

As of now, electricity is limited to only four hours a day, and fuel supplies will run out within a few days.

The fighting must stop immediately. The events are going to have long-term humanitarian consequences on Israeli and Palestinian civilians involved.

“The only path towards stability and peace,” says Ana Povrzenic, “is for the international community to finally address the root causes of the conflict including ending the occupation of Palestinian territory.”

A family who has fled their home arrive at this school in search of safety. Photo: Yousef Hammash/NRC

Ready to support

The Norwegian Refugee Council has 52 staff members who live and work in Gaza.

We are monitoring the humanitarian impact and preparing to support those in need of humanitarian assistance.

We appeal to all parties for an immediate ceasefire or pause in hostilities so that we can reach those in need and spare more civilians.


Document Type: Press Release
Document Sources: Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC)
Subject: Armed conflict, Assistance, Casualties, Gaza Strip, Health, Humanitarian relief, Internally displaced persons, Living conditions, Violence
Publication Date: 09/10/2023
URL source: https://www.nrc.no/perspectives/2023/israel-and-gaza-the-fighting-must-stop-immediately/