This shift would fatally compromise the neutrality and independence of humanitarian relief and may constitute a breach of international humanitarian law. Humanitarian leaders, from the ICRC to UN rights experts, have made it clear: denying civilians access to food, water, and medicine may amount to a war crime.
We call urgently for
- The immediate and unrestricted reopening of humanitarian access into the Gaza Strip. Civilian populations - particularly children- must be reached with lifesaving aid, including food, water, shelter, and medical care.
- The protection of humanitarian principles. Aid must remain civilian-led, neutral, impartial, and independent. It is crucial that children receive the necessary aid to safeguard their lives and well-being. Their protection and care must be a priority in all humanitarian efforts. Respect for international legal obligations. As investigations by the International Criminal Court (ICC) and proceedings at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) move forward, the international community must hold all parties, including states, accountable for actions that violate human rights and humanitarian law.
Children - especially those without parental care - are among the most vulnerable. According to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, at least 39,384 children in Gaza have lost one or both parents since October 2023, including 17,000 who have lost both parents. Widespread family separation has left many children without trusted caregivers. These children urgently need tracing services, reunification support, and protection.
Under the Geneva Conventions, parties to the conflict - including states - are legally obligated to allow and facilitate humanitarian access. Aid must remain civilian-led to retain its legal protection and ensure the trust of those it serves.
SOS Children’s Villages has operated in the Occupied Palestinian Territory since 1968, including in Gaza since 2000. Despite the total destruction of our facilities and displacement of our staff and programme participants, we continue to support affected children and families under some of the most difficult conditions in the world. We reiterate our call for:
- An immediate ceasefire to allow for a sustained humanitarian response and end the cycle of trauma.
- Safe and sustained humanitarian access coordinated by neutral and independent humanitarian organizations.
- Accountability mechanisms to monitor and address breaches of international humanitarian law.
The international community must not look away. Silence in the face of starvation, displacement, and the erosion of protection for children without care is complicity.
About SOS Children’s Villages
SOS Children's Villages, founded in 1949, is the world's largest non-governmental organization focused on supporting children and young people without parental care, or at risk of losing it. We operate in more than 130 countries and territories to strengthen families, provide quality alternative care, and uphold children’s rights.
About SOS Children’s Villages in Palestine
Since 1968, SOS Children’s Villages in Palestine has provided alternative care and family-strengthening services to more than 32,000 children and adults across the West Bank and Gaza. We remain committed to meeting the urgent needs of children in care and those at risk of losing it.
Media inquiries: [email protected]
Website: www.sos-childrensvillages.org