Statement on Today's Horrific Violence in Gaza at Food Distribution

Statement from Mercy Corps CEO Tjada D'Oyen McKenna:

“I am once again trying to find the words to describe my horror at the unnecessary loss of life in Gaza as at least a hundred people are reportedly killed and many more injured at a food distribution in Gaza City today. As always in this crisis, there are claims and counterclaims. But what is clear is that more innocent people have been killed as they tried to reach critical aid to keep their families alive.  

For more than four months, we have seen the persistent and deliberate denial of humanitarian access into Gaza City and northern communities. Even if they escape bombs and bullets, people are dying of hunger and disease. And now, the unimaginable - death while waiting for what little aid is available in northern Gaza. 

Our team members describe the terror experienced by Gazans every day as they venture out to find some little bit of food or water and the anguish of not being able to ease their children’s hunger. No child should die of hunger. No parent should be killed while trying to reach food to feed their families. More than 30,000 Palestinians have already died in this conflict, and conditions in Gaza have continued to become more dire by the day.

It’s impossible for humanitarian aid organizations to deliver life-saving assistance under these dangerous and volatile conditions. Only a sustained ceasefire coupled with unrestricted access to essential services and the massive scale-up of humanitarian assistance can prevent continued civilian death and destruction in Gaza. There must be an immediate independent investigation into the events today, and accountability for the ongoing and flagrant violations of international law.”