For Fatima Sator, the important thing is that “this aid is regular” and “continuous”. For the moment, only 20 trucks have been able to enter the Gaza Strip.
Twenty trucks loaded with humanitarian aid were able to enter the Gaza Strip on Saturday October 21, a first since the start of the conflict between Israel and Hamas. “It’s a drop in the ocean compared to the needs of civilians“, tempers on franceinfo, this Saturday, Fatima Sator, spokesperson for the ICRC (International Committee of the Red Cross) in Geneva.
The Gaza Strip, controlled by Hamas, lives under a total siege decreed by Israel two days after the bloody attack on its soil, on Saturday October 7. For Fatima Sator, the important thing now is “that this aid be regular” And “keep on going“.
Franceinfo: In your opinion, is 20 trucks enough?
Fatima Sator : It’s a drop in the ocean compared to the needs of civilians. A certain number of trucks are needed but this aid must also be regular. Today, there is a first and it is good news but we are asking that this aid be continuous and that there be a long-term solution.
What do Gazans essentially need?
They need almost everything: clean water, medicine, medical equipment, etc. Hospitals are reaching their limits. There is also a demand that experienced medical personnel, such as surgeons, be able to enter to relieve the suffering of civilians. For example, at the ICRC, we have a team of war surgeons who are mobilized in the region and who are ready to enter. We are inside Gaza, we have offices there. We have more than 100 colleagues inside Gaza and we have mobilized 60 tons of aid. Through our partners in the Palestinian Red Crescent, we still have the opportunity to distribute aid in the north. International humanitarian law is clear: even wars have rules. We are in dialogue with the parties in conflict to remind them of their obligations.
Is the problem of fuel supply also a major problem?
We need to find a solution for fuel. Hospitals cannot function without it, nor can water treatment plants. We must therefore find a solution and it is political. We hope that humanity will come before politics. Civilians must receive the help they need.