The Australian Council for International Development today expresses grave concern over the severe humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza following 2 months of a continued blockage of aid into Gaza. The recent escalation of violence, coupled with the imposition of severe restrictions on the movement of aid, have brought the humanitarian response system to the brink of collapse. The World Food Programme has now declared that it has run out of food within Gaza.  

The blockade imposed by Israeli authorities on all aid supplies on 2 March 2025 has effectively cut off the lifeline that the people of Gaza rely on to survive. 

In recent weeks, Al-Ahli Arab Hospital, Northern Gaza’s last fully functional hospital, was bombed in an Israeli missile attack, severely damaging the already under strain emergency department. During the same period, a number of NGO partners on the ground have also been directly impacted by the bombing.  

Since October 2023, more than 400 aid workers and over 1,300 healthcare workers have been reported killed in Gaza, despite the requirement under international humanitarian law for humanitarian workers to be protected.   

Quotes attributable to Matthew Maury, ACFID’s CEO: 

“The people of Gaza are bearing the brunt of this crisis, with a devastating impact on women and children. Families are living in the rubble of their destroyed homes. Famine is no longer a looming threat; it is a harsh reality rapidly unfolding in almost all parts of Gaza. The United Nations has warned that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is the worst it has been in 18 months.”  

“Our sector has been devastated by the killing of humanitarian workers including colleagues and their families due to the bombing.” 

“Gaza now holds the disastrous record of being the deadliest place on Earth for humanitarian workers. We cannot operate under fire, nor can we stay silent while our colleagues are killed.”  

“The ability to provide lifesaving aid has been critically undermined. Nearly all humanitarian agencies have been forced to suspend or dramatically reduce services since the ceasefire ended on 18 March 2025.” 

“Humanitarian agencies have supplies ready. They have trained medical staff. They have the expertise. What they lack is access – and a guarantee from Israeli authorities that their teams can safely do their jobs.” 

“We continue to call on all governments to raise their voices and use all diplomatic channels available to pressure the Israeli government to end this blockade.”

“We also demand accountability for attacks on humanitarian personnel and facilities, which constitute grave violations of international humanitarian law. Australia can play a key role at a multilateral level to push for immediate accountability.” 

“This is a defining moment for our collective commitment to humanitarian principles.” 

For more information or to arrange an interview please contact ACFID Media at [email protected] or call 0401 721 064