On
the Occasion of World Humanitarian Day
Issued by Dr. Haider Abdel Shafi
Center for Culture and Development
Gaza – 19 August 2025
On World Humanitarian Day, the Dr.
Haider Abdel Shafi Center for Culture and Development stands in deep respect
and appreciation for the tremendous efforts of humanitarian workers who operate
under the most difficult circumstances—especially in the Gaza Strip, which is
experiencing one of the most severe humanitarian crises in its modern history.
More than 225 of our colleagues, staff and volunteers, have been killed, hundreds
wounded, and over 20 detained or captured while carrying out their humanitarian
mission.
This day comes amid an escalating
humanitarian catastrophe. According to the latest UNRWA report issued on 16
August 2025, more than one million women in Gaza are suffering from hunger and
malnutrition, facing the daily struggle to find food amid total food
insecurity. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) has
categorized large parts of Gaza at Phase 5 (Catastrophe), the highest level of
food insecurity.
United Nations data indicates that:
- 4 out of 5 families in Gaza have reduced their daily
meals.
- 92% of the population depends on humanitarian
assistance for survival.
- Humanitarian workers face direct threats and severe
shortages of resources.
- 220 people, including 110 children, have died as a
result of the ongoing starvation in Gaza.
On this occasion, we renew our call
to:
- Protect humanitarian work from conflicts and ensure the
freedom and safety of humanitarian workers.
- Urgently increase international support for relief
programs in Gaza.
- Empower women and vulnerable groups affected by hunger
through protection and recovery initiatives.
- Exert pressure to open the crossings and allow
unconditional entry of urgent relief.
Humanitarian work is not merely an
emergency response, but a moral and human commitment that must be safeguarded
and strengthened by all means.
Dr. Haider Abdel Shafi Center for
Culture and Development
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