Following our focus on Gaza in our May newsletter, we look at how SIDA members are responding to the crisis, and how you can take action.
What’s happening in Gaza?
The Government of Israel’s blockade preventing aid from entering Gaza has left 2.1 million people at “critical risk of famine”, according to a recent report by the IPC, the world’s leading authority on food insecurity.
Commenting on Wednesday 28th May in the Guardian, Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), said that the new US-backed distribution model was a waste of resources and a distraction from “atrocities”.
“We already have an aid distribution system that is fit for purpose,” Lazzarini said. “The humanitarian community in Gaza, including UNRWA, is ready. We have the experience and expertise to reach people in need. Meanwhile, the clock is ticking towards famine, so humanitarian [work] must be allowed to do its life-saving work now.”
How are SIDA members responding?
SIDA members have been outspoken in their response to the situation:.
Oxfam: “Gaza’s starvation is not incidental – it is deliberate, entirely engineered – and has now created the largest population facing starvation anywhere in the world. Oxfam staff and partners are witnessing scenes that defy belief: families wasting away from hunger, malnourished children too weak to cry, and entire communities surviving without food or clean water.” – Mahmoud, Oxfam’s Food Security and Livelihoods Coordinator.
Islamic Relief: “Despite overwhelming evidence of atrocity crimes, the UK government has not only failed to take adequate action – but it has also enabled these crimes by supplying arms and military equipment, provided diplomatic cover and obstructed ceasefire efforts at the UN. By withholding meaningful pressure, the UK has helped create a permissive environment in which Israeli actions continue unchecked.”
Save the Children: “There is no question. Using starvation as a method of war is strictly prohibited under international humanitarian law.”
Christian Aid: “sustainable peace is not possible until the illegal occupation of Gaza, and the West Bank – including East Jerusalem – is ended and Palestinians and Israelis are treated as equals. World leaders need to immediately support a locally led reconstruction plan for Gaza to provide hope for the future.”
SCIAF: “We must act now to lend our voices to those seeking a peaceful and just future for all in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories. The statements and actions of the UK Government this week on the Occupied Palestinian Territories are welcome – but it is too little, too late.”
Action Aid: ActionAid welcomes Israeli trade talks suspension, but urges total arms embargo. Hannah Bond, co-CEO of ActionAid UK, said: “For many months now, we have been demanding that the UK government puts meaningful pressure on the Israeli authorities to end their brutal war in Gaza. We welcome the long-overdue announcement of some fresh measures today, but there is no excuse for the UK to refrain from going much, much further.”
British Red Cross: “Gaza needs sustained and unimpeded aid supplies, hospitals must be spared from fighting, and humanitarian workers must be protected.”
The role of global citizenship education
Other SIDA members have been focussing on educating the public about the conflict. Scotdec are facilitating a workshop on Tuesday 3rd June run by Dr Jehan Al-Azzawi alongside scholars from the University of Edinburgh with the aim of educating teachers on the historical backdrop they need to teach about Israel-Palestine with confidence.
“Social justice, children’s rights and global citizenship education- we as educators all have an obligation to support our young people to make sense of the world they live in – and inspire them to want to make it a better one.” – Dr Jehan Al-Azzawi, Trustee ScotDec & Transition Teacher for the City of Edinburgh Council.
Highland One World have also produced a resource to support educators engaging students in discussions about the genocide in Gaza. The resource includes background reading, guidance, first-hand stories from Israel and Palestine, and primary and secondary teaching packs.
Aimed primarily at helping young people and children have critical, constructive, and hopeful conversations using materials from diverse sources, it is also valuable for anyone who wants to deepen their understanding of the situation and communicate more effectively with others.
SIDA speaks to MSPs about Gaza
Giving evidence at the Scottish Parliament External Affairs Committee session on Gaza on Thursday 22nd May, SIDA’s Chief Executive Frances Guy said,
“This is a crucial moment… we are now more than 18 months on [from the last Committee discussion about Gaza in November 2023], and that call for a ceasefire and humanitarian access remain the most pertinent things we can do, and meanwhile we’re 18 months of destruction and loss of life later…”
“We need to be looking forward to something positive as well as dealing with the humanitarian disaster right now. [We] need to focus on the idea that it is possible to still have a peaceful solution to this crisis. To look at something constructive, as well as letting humanitarian aid in now, trying to create a vision of an alternative is really important.”
At SIDA, we are committed to addressing injustice wherever it presents itself, working with our members to help build their capacity, coordinate action and improve their impact on the ground.
This is why we are in continuous dialogue with our members regarding action on Gaza. We are also monitoring action by wider civil society, including initiatives such as the open letters signed by UK Judges and Lawyers, and by writers and authors demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Make sure you are subscribed to our newsletter for future updates.
How can I take action?
If you are interested in taking action as an individual or an organisation we have shared a number of resources below. Writing to your MP is an effective way to ensure your voice is heard by those with decision-making power. You can also sign a petition or join demonstrations with local civil society organisations.
- Oxfam: Petitions on arms sales and ceasefire
- Christian Aid: MP letter writing guide
- Save the Children: ‘Stop the war on children’ petition to UK Government.
- Global Justice now: template for writing to your MP, and a campaign briefing that can be shared with your MP.
- Medical Aid for Palestinians: Current campaigns
- Islamic relief: Campaigning for Gaza
Further Reading & Resources
Oxfam: It’s time to end the use of starvation as a weapon of war
Britain Palestine Project: The weaponisation and privatisation of Gaza humanitarian aid
Save the Children: How to talk to children about war
Highland One World: Resource on Approaching the Palestine-Israel Conflict with Learners
We know that extensive exposure to human suffering on such a scale can be overwhelming. The Mental Health Foundation have produced these tips to look after your mental health during traumatic world events. If you are in need of support and would like to speak to someone, give the team at breathing space a call on 0800 83 85 87.