Gaza: A rock bottom of humanity and dignity has been reached

13 May, 2025

In light of deeply concerning developments in Gaza, the Security Council’s five European members, including Slovenia, called for a briefing to discuss the humanitarian situation and the protection of aid workers in Gaza. Slovenia also requested an urgent update on the situation of hunger and malnutrition, given the recent disturbing alert of the humanitarian community about the risk of famine for 2 million civilians across the entire Strip. Ambassador Samuel Žbogar reiterated that even wars have rules and the one in Gaza is no exception. However, for more than 10 weeks, no humanitarian aid has entered Gaza.

“Half a million Palestinians are already starving, right now, as we speak. But let me be clear – starvation as a method of warfare is strictly prohibited under international humanitarian law and is codified as a war crime,” emphasized Ambassador Žbogar, urging the lifting of the aid blockade and an end to starvation.

Moreover, the Ambassador called for respect for the fundamental principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence. These humanitarian principles lie at the core of all humanitarian actions and ensure the effective and ethical delivery of aid in all types of crises. He expressed unequivocal support to the aid distribution system established and carried out by the UN and its humanitarian partners, in line with international humanitarian law and humanitarian principles. The long-established network of UN agencies and NGOs must remain the backbone of the humanitarian response. “We reject any model which does not meet the minimum bar for principled humanitarian support, including the one recently outlined by Israel,” explained the Ambassador.

Given the ongoing attacks on humanitarian workers in Gaza, Ambassador Žbogar repeated that all aid workers must be allowed to work in a safe and secure manner. “The number of incidents leading to deaths and serious injuries of humanitarian workers is unacceptable. We call for their protection and accountability for all past incidents,” he added. Since the war began, 418 aid workers in Gaza have lost their lives.

The war in Gaza must end.