Gaza Herald_ For two weeks in a row, Israel has refused to allow Gaza’s Civil Defense rescue teams to reach civilians trapped under fire, despite dozens of urgent coordination requests filed through international organizations.
In a statement, Gaza’s Civil Defense confirmed it had submitted 73 requests to international bodies, which were then forwarded to the Israeli military. Every single one was rejected, leaving entire neighborhoods cut off from lifesaving aid.
The areas denied access include al-Zarqa, al-Mahatta, the eastern side of al-Nafaq in al-Tuffah, as well as al-Sabra and Tal al-Hawa in southern al-Rimal, districts from which desperate pleas for help have poured in.
Some of the wounded trapped inside have already succumbed to their injuries. Others were carried out by family members under harrowing conditions, risking sniper fire and bombardment just to reach the nearest hospital.
Humanitarian officials warn that thousands remain under siege in these neighborhoods, deprived of food, water, medical treatment, and basic necessities.
“This is not only a humanitarian catastrophe but a direct violation of international law,” the Civil Defense statement read. “Blocking rescue teams and denying access to civilians in desperate need is a crime that should concern the entire world.”
The organization urged international humanitarian agencies and governments to pressure Israel into honoring its obligations under the Geneva Conventions, which prohibit obstructing the work of rescue and medical services in wartime.
Without intervention, Gaza’s Civil Defense warns, more lives will be lost, not from bombs alone, but from the deliberate denial of aid.
