The Palestine Independent Commission for Human Rights (ICHR) has warned of an impending humanitarian crisis as the Israeli government intensifies its airstrikes and prepares for a ground invasion of the Gaza Strip.

In a statement, the ICHR urgently called on the international community to exert pressure on the Israeli government, insisting on an immediate cessation of attacks in Gaza. “Military solutions will only deepen the crisis, escalate violence, and destabilize the region,” the ICHR said.

They have appealed to the United Nations and international community to protect civilian lives, deliver urgent humanitarian assistance and prevent a further deterioration of the already dire humanitarian situation.

The ICHR, in collaboration with its partners in the Arab Network for National Human Rights Institutions, has also issued an urgent appeal to the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to intervene in the ongoing crisis.

“More than two million people in Gaza are in desperate need of assistance,” they said in a letter to the ICC. “We are witnessing an acute shortage of drinking water, and essential medical equipment is at risk of being halted. It is imperative that these actions are halted without delay to prevent further suffering and loss of life.”

“This situation has brought us to the brink of an imminent humanitarian catastrophe that demands immediate attention and intervention.”

Read the full letter here.

Date: 12 October 2023