Resumed aggression and closure of crossings exacerbate the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip, a statement by the Social Developmental Forum

The Social Developmental Forum (SDF) condemns the resumption of military assaults by the Israeli Occupational Forces (IOF) in the Gaza Strip since Tuesday morning, March 18, 2025. Following the conclusion of the first phase of the fragile ceasefire agreement, this resumption has led to the killing of hundreds of Palestinians and has exacerbated the suffering of the civilian population. The closure of crossings since March 2, 2025, especially during Ramadan, hinders the flow of humanitarian aid and prevents access to fundamental supplies to hundreds of thousands of people.

SDF also condemns targeting relief workers, notably the horrific shelling that claimed the life of one employee and left four UN staff members seriously injured. Targeting humanitarian staff or aid warehouses violates international humanitarian law and undermines efforts to alleviate the suffering of civilians trapped under these harsh conditions.

SDF calls for an immediate ceasefire to preserve the lives of innocent civilians, to uphold humanitarian principles, to ensure the full protection of humanitarian workers, and to urgently reopen the crossings to allow a smooth flow of essential supplies and humanitarian aid. SDF also emphasizes the importance of adhering to International Humanitarian Law and ensuring the safety and protection of civilians and humanitarian infrastructure.

Social Developmental Forum (SDF)
Gaza Strip
March 20, 2025