Statement from Refugees International Senior Advocate for the Middle East Natasha Hall:\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIsrael\u2019s closure of all Gaza border crossings is unjustifiable and will immediately deepen suffering for 2.1 million people in Gaza who depend on aid, medicine, and fuel entering Gaza to survive. Every day the crossings remain closed puts more lives at risk.<\/p>\n
This closure comes on top of an already devastated humanitarian situation. Humanitarian organizations operating in Gaza have repeatedly warned of severe shortages, collapsing services, and growing risks of hunger, disease, and preventable deaths. This full blockade now risks pushing Gaza\u2019s humanitarian crisis over the edge.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Israeli government has described the closure as a \u2018necessary security measure\u2019 following Iranian missile strikes. It is not. Gaza\u2019s civilians are not parties to the conflict with Iran and should not be made to pay the price for it. Collective punishment is prohibited under international law.<\/p>\n
The Board of Peace and the U.S. government must immediately demand Israel reopen all crossings without condition, in fulfillment of their obligations as guarantors of the October 2025 ceasefire and UN Security Council Resolution 2803.\u201d<\/p>\n
Read the April 2026 \u201cHumanitarian Scorecard: Six Months In, Gaza Ceasefire is Failing\u201d from Refugees International and partners here<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n