Dear friends,

Humanitarian aid must never come at the risk of detention or death.

In the past month, nine families contacted HaMoked after their teenage sons went to get food at the militarized aid distribution sites in Gaza and did not return. The Israeli military confirmed to HaMoked that they detained five of the boys. Four of them, ages 15-17, are being denied access to an attorney. HaMoked is petitioning the High Court of Justice to challenge this denial.

The fate of the other four missing boys is unknown, and we have grave concerns that they may have been killed. You can read about our work on these cases in this article in Ha’aretz newspaper today.
 

Calling for an End to Deadly Israeli Humanitarian Aid Distribution

It is unconscionable that children in Gaza must risk their safety and their lives to obtain food for their families.

The Israeli aid distribution scheme is a clear violation of fundamental human rights and humanitarian law principles. Earlier this month, HaMoked joined with more than 200 NGOs worldwide to call for immediate action to end the deadly Israeli aid distribution scheme (including the so-called Gaza Humanitarian Foundation) in Gaza, revert to the existing UN-led coordination mechanisms, and lift the Israeli government’s blockade on aid and commercial supplies.
 

Demanding the Immediate Entry of Fuel to Gaza

Last month, HaMoked joined Gisha in demanding Israel allow the immediate entry and distribution of fuel to Gaza in quantities sufficient to meet the needs of the population.

Fuel is necessary for water desalinization and supply, the functioning of life-saving medical equipment, ambulances and rescue teams, and the distribution of essential aid. Denying access to fuel constitutes collective punishment and has contributed to an ongoing humanitarian catastrophe.
 

“Voluntary Emigration” from Gaza Constitutes a War Crime

HaMoked, together with Gisha and other partners, also wrote to the Israeli government to demand the immediate revocation of the Security Cabinet decision to advance the “voluntary departure” of Palestinians in Gaza to third countries. The decision constitutes explicit planning for forcible transfer and ethnic cleansing, in grave breach of international law.

HaMoked will continue to do everything we can in the face of the heartbreaking and infuriating situation in Gaza. Our hotline is receiving dozens of calls every day. We are filing individual and principled litigation, and also joining with partners in domestic and international advocacy to try to safeguard basic rights and protect civilians in this deadly war. You can see an overview of all of our recent work here.
 

Hoping for an urgently needed ceasefire,

Jessica Montell
Executive Director of HaMoked