For the first time on Tuesday, a group of elders of international politicians and politicians called the situation in Gaza “an unfolding genocide” and said that obstruction of Israeli aid is causing “hunger.”
“Today, we express our shock and rage that Israel intentionally blocked the invasion of life-saving humanitarian invasions into Gaza. A group of non-governmental public figures founded in 2007 by former South African president Nelson Mandela, said in a statement after visiting Egypt’s border crossing.
“What we saw and heard highlights our personal belief that not only has human-raised hunger, but there is a genocide that unfolds,” he added.
Helen Clark, the former Prime Minister of New Zealand, called on Israel to open the Rafa border across Egypt and Gaza, and was able to deliver assistance after visiting the site.
“Many new mothers are unable to properly feed themselves and their newborn babies, and their health systems are falling apart,” she said.
“All of this threatens the survival rates of the entire generation.”
Clark was joined during his visit by Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland and former United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.
She said the international leader “has the authority and legal obligation to apply measures to pressure this Israeli government to end the atrocities.”
The delegation “denied entry when seeing evidence of food and medical aid and while trying to access aid within Gaza, he heard a statement of witnesses to the murder of a Palestinian civilian, including children,” the statement said.
Elders Group: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should be approved
They urged Israel and Hamas to agree to a ceasefire and immediately release the remaining Israeli prisoners of war in Gaza.
The London-based group also sought “awareness of the Palestinian state,” but added, “this will not stop Gaza’s unfolding genocide and hunger.”
“The transfer of weapons and weapon components to Israel must be stopped immediately,” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu added, saying it should be approved.
Israel faces criticism in the 22-month war with Hamas, and UN aid experts have warned of the widespread hunger that is spreading in besieged Gaza.
Netanyahu is putting pressure on him to secure the release of the remaining prisoners and over plans to expand the war he has vowed to with or without Israeli allies’ support.
Israeli attacks in Gaza have killed more than 61,000 Palestinians so far, according to Gaza’s Ministry of Health.