Mercy Corps Statement on Escalating Violence in Gaza and Israel

Mercy Corps is deeply concerned about the alarming escalation of violence in Israel and Gaza, which has caused hundreds of deaths, and thousands of injuries among civilians who are caught in the crossfire. Humanitarian needs are likely to escalate dramatically in the coming days. 

Mercy Corps Palestine Director, Uma Kandalaeva, said:

“This escalating violence deepens the suffering and fear experienced by civilians whose lives have been marred by this protracted conflict for far too long. We call for an urgent and immediate cessation of hostilities and dialogue to seek a peaceful resolution. All parties must meet their international obligations and protect civilians and civilian infrastructure as mandated by international humanitarian law. 

“We anticipate devastating humanitarian consequences and are concerned about the mounting numbers of casualties among civilians, the destruction of residential buildings and the potential obstruction of vital channels for humanitarian aid, endangering lives already hanging in the balance. All impartial humanitarian organizations must have unfettered access to civilians in need of basic lifesaving services and support.

“We are monitoring the humanitarian impact and working to respond to rising humanitarian needs in the days and weeks ahead.”

For more information please contact:

• Milena Murr, Middle East Media & Communications Manager (based in Beirut), at mmurr@mercycorps.org  
• Natalie Fath, Director of Communications (based on the East Coast, U.S.) at nfath@mercycorps.org
• Our full media team is reachable at allmediarelations@mercycorps.org