For over a year, the war between terrorist-stamped Hamas and Israel has ravaged the Gaza Strip and severely affected the civilian population.
Over the past two weeks, the already difficult situation has deteriorated in northern Gaza, according to Myriam Burger, humanitarian chief for international Save the Children. She is located in Deir al-Balah in central Gaza and states in an interview via link on Thursday that the organization's work in the northern areas has ceased.
We have no staff in northern Gaza, it's too dangerous. It's difficult, if not impossible, to reach the area due to constant bombing, says Burger.
Emergency Transports Stopped
Over the past two weeks, Israeli forces have completely blocked transports of humanitarian aid. Activities that Save the Children previously carried out, such as polio vaccinations, healthcare support, education, and social initiatives, have almost completely ceased.
The situation is further exacerbated by the Israeli parliament's law banning the UN's aid organization for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, in Gaza and the West Bank.
We are deeply concerned about the decision. UNRWA's work is crucial, through coordination and logistics of humanitarian aid. No one can replace UNRWA's work in Gaza, they have been there for so long and have great experience, says Burger.
Bombed Office
The operation in Gaza has also been directly affected by Israeli attacks.
Two weeks ago, our office was bombed for the third time, says Burger bluntly and notes that all information about Save the Children's efforts collected on computers has been destroyed – now it has to be recreated with paper and pen.
The independent organization Save the Children does not take a stand in the conflict itself in order to be able to operate freely, emphasizes Burger and avoids commenting on issues of guilt.
On the other hand, she clearly sees who the victims are:
We risk creating a lost generation. Many of the children have psychosocial problems. They are completely traumatized, says Burger and shakes her head at the question of how healing should take place.
She has experience from conflicts in, among others, Haiti, southern Sudan, Yemen, Bangladesh, and Iraq. How is the situation in Gaza in comparison?
This is one of the absolute worst crises I've been through, she answers briefly.
