HI mourns tragic death of staff member in Gaza

Humanity & Inclusion (HI) is deeply saddened and outraged by the killing of our colleague, Muna, and her entire family after Israeli forces indiscriminately bombed her house in southern Deir Al-Balah, Gaza on June, 8th.  

Muna, a dedicated social worker, assisted hundreds of displaced families and children, including children with disabilities.  This tragic incident marks the second loss of an HI staff member since October 7, following a previous incident in December 2023 where another colleague and her four children were killed in Nuseirat in Gaza. 

Humanitarian personnel are on the front lines, risking their lives daily to provide essential assistance to those in dire need. Their safety and ability to carry out their work unimpeded are paramount to the humanitarian mission.

According to the Ministry of Health in Gaza, 274 people were killed during an Israeli military operation in and around the Nuseirat refugee camp on Saturday. This area, located in the middle of the war-torn enclave, had been designated as a so-called "safe humanitarian zone", where thousands of people were displaced from Rafah to the Middle Area upon evacuation orders.  This alone proves that no one and nowhere is safe in Gaza. Close to 700 individuals were reportedly injured, with hospitals overwhelmed and lacking necessary medications, medical supplies, and equipment.

Since Hamas attack on October 7, Israel’s military offensive has killed at least 37,084 Palestinians and wounded 84,494 others, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.  The continued killings of civilians in Gaza must come to an immediate end. Under IHL, particularly the Geneva Conventions, the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution must be adhered to. These principles strictly prohibit attacks targeting civilians or civilian objects. Despite these clear legal frameworks, the reality on the ground reflects a stark violation of these principles. Civilians continue to bear the brunt of military actions, resulting in loss of life, and destruction of homes, hospitals, schools, and critical infrastructure.

Humanitarian organisations and their personnel must have the right to conduct their work safely to help the lives of thousands of people.  Safe access to humanitarian aid must be prioritised immediately.

Israel must immediately implement the preventive measures ordered by the ICJ to avoid any further acts that could be qualified as genocide. Additionally, states must halt the transfer of weapons, parts, and ammunition that can be used to commit violations of International Humanitarian Law and human rights law.

HI continues to call for an immediate permanent ceasefire.  Every minute without a ceasefire prolongs the unnecessary suffering of the people in Gaza reinforcing the urgent need to end the trauma of war.