ACTION AGAINST HUNGER STAFF CONTINUE THEIR WORK IN THE OCCUPIED PALESTINIAN TERRITORY DESPITE VIOLENT INCIDENTS AND HUMANITARIAN COLLAPSE

• Since June of this year alone, the organisation has suffered three serious incidents that have put the lives of its humanitarian staff in Gaza and the West Bank at risk. 

Action Against Hunger expresses its deep concern about the violence directly affecting its humanitarian workers in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, in a context of extreme violence, collapse of basic services and mass displacement. 

"We pay tribute to all those who dedicate their lives to bringing humanitarian aid where it is most needed. The humanity, commitment and courage of all our team members deployed in the Occupied Palestinian Territory are the clearest reflection of the values that unite us." Manuel Sánchez-Montero, CEO of Action Against Hunger. 

Since June this year, the organisation has suffered three serious incidents: 

On 26 June, two of the organisation's workers, Mohammed Hussein and Obada Abu Issa, were killed in an air strike in Gaza while off duty. 

On 16 August, a former colleague who was off duty and who worked as a warehouse guard in Gaza was seriously injured in an air strike while helping his neighbours. He suffered the amputation of both legs and severe burns. This tragic event is part of a wider military incursion into Gaza City, where the whole city is under forced displacement orders. 

On 24 August, a member of the organisation in the West Bank was attacked by masked settlers while working on his land with his family, resulting in serious injuries and significant material damage. 

These events are taking place in a context of unprecedented humanitarian collapse. Since October 2023, at least 540 humanitarian workers have been killed in Gaza, most of them Palestinians serving their own communities. Humanitarian staff, along with their families, are experiencing the loss of their homes, constant forced displacement, extreme hunger and a widespread loss of hope. 

Natalia Anguera, head of operations for the Middle East at Action Against Hunger, warns: "Families and our workers are hungry, exhausted, distressed and cannot imagine having to move their children, some for the 26th time in less than two years. And despite these difficult and harsh circumstances, they continue to work every day to support the Palestinian population and fulfil our humanitarian mandate." 

Anguera added: "The attack on one of our workers in the West Bank is not an isolated incident but exemplifies the alarming escalation of violence by settlers since October 2023. Despite the relentless efforts of our teams, they too are facing this same collapse." 

Manuel Sánchez-Montero, CEO of Action Against Hunger, said: "Our organisation wishes to pay tribute to all those who dedicate their lives to bringing humanitarian aid to where it is most needed. Each of these colleagues represents the best of our organisation. We will continue to work to ensure their safety, demand respect for international humanitarian law and support them in every way we can." 

Manuel concluded: "Action Against Hunger reaffirms its commitment to protecting humanitarian personnel, supporting victims and demanding respect for international humanitarian law. The organisation continues to urge all parties to reach an immediate and permanent ceasefire and to guarantee safe and unrestricted access for humanitarian aid."