Andreas Frick, Chief Executive of Misereor, comments on the situation in the Gaza Strip:

"The situation in Gaza is a nightmare - and a political failure across the board. The systematic starvation of a civilian population is a war crime.

As an organisation that stands on the side of the people affected by violence and hatred in Israel and the Palestinian territories, we at Misereor unequivocally remind them that the historical responsibility of our state means that we have a duty to uphold international law without compromise. This responsibility is currently being massively violated - also by the German government's cautious position.

We demand with all clarity:

• No authorisation of arms exports to Israel if there is sufficient suspicion that the armaments could be used for serious violations of international humanitarian law.
• The immediate opening of all border crossings for unhindered access to humanitarian aid.
• A clear rejection of any form of forced resettlement of the Palestinian population from Gaza and demands for annexation of the West Bank - such plans would be unacceptable and contrary to international law.

Misereor's partner organisations in the Gaza Strip are doing superhuman work - at the risk of their lives, in the face of hunger, bombs and the widespread collapse of medical care. They are not only fighting for the survival of those affected, but also for dignity and justice.

What the people of Gaza need is an immediate ceasefire that forms the basis for lasting peace in Israel and the Palestinian territories."