Gaza: The Elders, a group of global leaders, warned on Tuesday of an “impending genocide” in Gaza, stating that Israeli restrictions on humanitarian relief are leading to famine.
According to Jordan News Agency, the non-governmental group released a statement following a delegation’s visit to border crossings with Egypt, expressing “shock and outrage at Israel’s deliberate obstruction of life-saving humanitarian aid into Gaza.”
The statement emphasized that the situation in Gaza is not only a man-made famine but an impending genocide. Former New Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark, a member of the Elders, urged Israel to open the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza to facilitate aid delivery. She highlighted the dire conditions, noting that many mothers are unable to feed themselves or their newborn babies, and the collapsing health system.
The Elders reported witnessing blocked food and medical supplies and hearing accounts of Palestinian civilians, including children, being killed while attempting to access aid inside Gaza.
Founded in 2007 by former South African President Nelson Mandela, the group, based in London, also called for the recognition of a Palestinian state. However, they noted that such recognition alone would not prevent the impending genocide and famine in Gaza. The Elders further urged an immediate suspension of arms and component transfers to Israel and advocated for sanctions against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.