ATLANTA (May 9, 2025) — The humanitarian situation in Gaza has deteriorated to a new and life-threatening level, requiring urgent action. Israel’s complete blockade — including food, medical supplies, and other essential goods — has produced starvation conditions in Gaza. The ongoing displacement of Gazans contradicts international humanitarian law, which prohibits the use of starvation and enforced displacement as a method of warfare and obligates all parties to ensure access to relief for civilians in need.
The Carter Center calls upon the United States and the international community to press Israel to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza to end the suffering. Thousands of lives, including those of children, are imperiled by Israel’s policies, and immediate action is needed.
This crisis is unfolding alongside new and existing Israeli policies that severely restrict the ability of Israeli, Palestinian, and international nongovernmental organizations to operate in the occupied Palestinian territory. These restrictions hinder the delivery of life-saving relief supplies and undermine the capacity of civil society to monitor, report, and respond to humanitarian needs. The Center urges the Israeli government to eliminate these restrictions and allow humanitarian access to all areas of Gaza. We also renew our call for a permanent ceasefire to end the suffering.
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Contact: media@cartercenter.org
The Carter Center
Waging Peace. Fighting Disease. Building Hope.
A not-for-profit, nongovernmental organization, The Carter Center has helped to improve life for people in over 80 countries by resolving conflicts; advancing democracy, human rights, and economic opportunity; preventing diseases; and improving mental health care. The Carter Center was founded in 1982 by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, in partnership with Emory University, to advance peace and health worldwide.
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