CARE statement following the killings of two Palestinian partner staff in Gaza

CARE International UK is devastated by the deaths of two valued members of our partner organization, Juzoor for Health and Social Development, in Gaza. Dr. Ahmad Al-Najar was killed by an Israeli air strike while serving at a medical point in Jabalia on October 15th, and midwife Ms. Laila Jneid was killed along with her parents in another airstrike on October 12th.

We extend our deepest condolences to their families, to the team at Juzoor, and to all those impacted by this senseless violence.

Last Sunday, Dr. Alaa Al-Sayyad, also from Juzoor, was gravely injured while on duty and is currently in a coma with efforts still underway to try to move him to a hospital that can offer more advanced care. Our thoughts remain with Dr Alaa and his loved ones.

These losses are a stark reminder of the immense courage of health workers in Gaza. Amid unimaginable conditions and relentless bombing, they have continued to provide essential care to those in need.

We condemn, in the strongest possible terms, the targeting and killing of aid workers. Health professionals must never become casualties of conflict. The right to provide and receive medical care is fundamental, and it is unconscionable that those dedicated to saving lives are being killed in the line of duty.

According to the United Nations, at least 885 Palestinian healthcare workers have been killed in Gaza and the West Bank in the past year.

CARE reiterates its call for an immediate and lasting ceasefire, the protection of civilians, aid workers, and civilian infrastructure from attack, full and unimpeded humanitarian access, and a dramatic scale-up in funding for gender-responsive humanitarian action.

We call on the UK government to cease arms sales and transfers to Israel. The provision of military support in the face of such human suffering is indefensible. Continued support for armed conflict will only prolong this cycle of violence and deepen the humanitarian crisis.

The ongoing blockade and siege, coupled with relentless airstrikes, are creating catastrophic conditions for millions of people. Basic needs such as food, water, and medical care are being denied, pushing the population to the brink of survival.

The UK government and international community must act with urgency to protect civilians, ensure humanitarian access, and work towards a peaceful and just resolution to this conflict.

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