Gaza border shuts off aid
GIFT OF THE GIVERS POISED TO SEND HELP
THE internationally renowned humanitarian organisation, Gift Of The Givers, is waiting for the Israeli-controlled border with war-torn Gaza to be opened to send South African doctors and search and rescue teams on lifesaving missions.
Dr Imtiaz Sooliman, of Gift Of The Givers, said his organisation, which sent food parcels, medical supplies, medical equipment and other items worth R3 million to the war zone, was on standby to offer humanitarian assistance on the ground.
The conflict between Hamas and Israel has claimed the lives of more than 1 000 people in Palestine and more than 40 Israeli soldiers since July 8. Thousands of people have been displaced and, according to reports, scores of others have been trapped in rubble left after bombs and missiles exploded in residential areas and schools among other places.
Sooliman said his organisation could dispatch the doctors and search and rescue teams only after the South African government was given the assurance by the Israeli government that the border would be opened.
“Our government has to discuss the matter with the Israeli government.
“Dispatching doctors and search and rescue teams depends on the understanding reached by the South African and Israeli governments.
“We have left the negotiations to our government. It will be a futile exercise if the border is closed. Time is of the essence. We hope the necessary clearance is given soon, so we can help save lives. According to people on the ground in Gaza, the situation is dire.”
The media liaison officer for Doctors Without Borders, Kate Ribet, said while they did not have any local doctors on the ground in Gaza, they did have a presence in the war-torn country.
“The surgical team at Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza has two anaesthetists, a surgeon, a doctor and a nurse. They are supporting the hospital in operations, attending to burn victims and helping in intensive care and emergency sections.
“Another surgeon and an intensive care nurse are in Jerusalem. They are waiting to enter Gaza to operate at Al Shifa or at ABOVE: Protesters carried placards such as Stop Gaza Massacre, Boycott Israel, End Israeli War Crimes and Gaza Bleed and We Bleed. Traffic was brought to a standstill. RIGHT: Protesters carried a makeshift coffin to drive home the point that more lives will be lost if the conflict continues. the Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, a city in the southern Gaza strip.
“Psychological support has been arranged for expatriates in Gaza and for the local team, particularly for the drivers who are exposed as they move around.
“Emergency supplies were donated to the central pharmacy in Gaza,” said Ribet.