Turkish Red Crescent calls for immediate humanitarian access to Gaza

Turkish Red Crescent President Fatma Meric Yilmaz has renewed calls for the immediate opening of Gaza’s border crossings to allow humanitarian aid, warning that restricted access is worsening hunger and malnutrition, particularly among women and children.

“Blocking humanitarian aid from entering through border crossings is condemning hundreds of thousands of people, especially children and women, to severe health problems caused by acute hunger and malnutrition,” Yilmaz said.

“Baby food is running out, there is no medicine, no clean water, no bread… Hunger is now being used as a weapon. This is not only a humanitarian crisis, but also a clear test of conscience,” Yilmaz recently said on her social media post.

Humanitarian situation worsens after ceasefire collapse

According to a statement from the Turkish Red Crescent, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has deepened since the collapse of a temporary ceasefire in January.

The statement noted that Israel halted aid shipments on March 2, resulting in renewed famine-like conditions for the civilian population.

The Turkish Red Crescent’s operations have been significantly impacted by the border closures. Its food kitchen in Deir al-Balah is rapidly depleting supplies.

Local procurement has also become increasingly difficult due to soaring food prices triggered by renewed hostilities.

Water supply and food inflation add to crisis

The organization reported that military activity in the region has damaged water sources, limiting access to safe drinking water in areas served by the Turkish Red Crescent.

The spike in food inflation has further strained efforts to secure resources locally.

Yilmaz emphasized that without a sustainable ceasefire, the crisis will only intensify. “To end this tragedy, a permanent and sustainable ceasefire in the region is a vital necessity,” she said.

Rising death toll and Israeli escalation

According to updated figures, more than 51,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 7, 2023, with over 116,000 injured. After the January ceasefire was broken on March 18, the Israeli military resumed heavy strikes on Gaza.

Between March 18 and now, 1,783 Palestinians—mainly women, children, and the elderly—have been killed.

Israel has rejected new ceasefire proposals, announcing increased military operations against Hamas, while the group accuses Israel of breaching past commitments and resuming what it called genocide under the eyes of international mediators.

Smotrich repeats call for military rule in Gaza

Amid the escalating violence, Israel’s far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich reiterated his call for full military occupation and the establishment of military governance in Gaza.

On social media, he urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to change Israel’s approach and proceed with the total reoccupation of the enclave.

“The state of Israel shall not surrender to Hamas and won’t end the war without the complete victory and fulfillment of all its objectives, including eliminating Hamas and returning all the hostages,” he said in a statement.