Guyana urges humanitarian aid for Gaza

Guyana has expressed disappointment over the renewed escalation of violence between Israel and Palestine, which has resulted in the deaths of approximately 400 people, including children.
The country is also concerned about the blockade of humanitarian aid into Gaza and the reported gender-based violence targeting women and girls.
Delivering Guyana’s submission to the United Nations, Permanent Representative Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett highlighted that Israel’s actions in blocking aid trucks from entering Gaza are illegal and endanger innocent civilians.
“Guyana is therefore very disappointed that a decision was taken to halt humanitarian aid into Gaza since March 2 on account of a deadlock in the negotiations and Hamas,” Rodrigues-Birkett stated.
She emphasised that under international law, Israel is obligated to ensure civilians are not deprived of essential goods and services. Guyana has therefore urged Israel to lift the aid blockade, citing its legal and humanitarian responsibilities.
Coupled with ongoing military action, Rodrigues-Birkett noted that the blockade has exacerbated the already dire situation in Gaza, preventing essential supplies from reaching those most in need. She urged both Israel and Hamas to prioritise civilian lives and urgently reach an agreement on a permanent ceasefire.
“We therefore call for full respect for their right to life. We further call on Israel and Hamas to prioritise the lives and well-being of civilians and to urgently reach an agreement on the next phase of the ceasefire deal and, ultimately, a permanent ceasefire,” she stated.
Guyana has also called for Israel to halt its airstrikes, noting that these attacks continue to undermine ceasefire negotiations.
Addressing the impact of the war on women and girls in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, Rodrigues-Birkett cited a report from the UN’s Independent International Commission of Inquiry, which accuses Israel of systematically using gender-based violence, including sexual and reproductive harm, since October 7, 2023.
“The report has elaborated on the disproportionate impact of the war on Palestinian women and girls, who continue to bear the brunt of decisions taken by those in power. Civilian women and girls have reportedly been targeted directly. Women have died from complications related to pregnancy and childbirth due to restrictions imposed and conditions created by the war,” she noted.
She further highlighted that starvation, lack of humanitarian assistance, the destruction of Gaza’s healthcare system, and restricted access to water and sanitation have caused severe reproductive harm to women. The ongoing crisis has severely impacted all aspects of maternal health, including pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum recovery, and lactation. Additionally, women and girls are being forced to endure conditions that limit their ability to manage postpartum bleeding and menstruation hygienically and with dignity.
The situation involving Palestinian children is equally distressing, Rodrigues-Birkett added, citing UNICEF reports that warn that one million Palestinian children are at risk due to a lack of access to basic survival supplies.