PalMed: Israel is Accountable for Gaza Strip Fire killing 21 people

PalMed Europe Holds Israel Accountable for Gaza Tragic Fire

AUK Editorial 19 November 2022

PalMed Europe holds the occupation responsible for the fire that broke in a residential building in Gaza Strip, killing at least 21 people, including 12 children, on Thursday, November 17.

In their statement, PalMed said: “The unjust blockade that has been imposed for more than 14 years on two million Palestinians in the Gaza strip, which has affected all aspects of life and led to a severe shortage of medicines, medical supplies, firefighters, and civil defence equipment, as well as fuel, electricity, and drinkable water, was one of the reasons behind this tragic accident.”

It added that this tragic accident is “One of many tragedies experienced by our people in the Strip.”

The Israeli blockade on Gaza causes deadly fires (Unsplash)

The authorities’ initial investigation suggests that a gas leak in a kitchen caused the fire. And one local resident who rushed to the scene said that gasoline was stored in the building to “operate a generator” which had worsened the fire.

Many residents in Gaza store gasoline and diesel to be able to operate an electric generator due to the blockade on the electricity in Gaza which only allows eight hours of power per day. on top of that, deadly fires – often caused by candles – have become a regular occurrence in Gaza Strip because of severe power shortages.

Palestinian Authority had announced Friday, 18 November, as a national day of mourning.

At the end of their statement, PalMed had called on “International humanitarian institutions and human rights committees to intervene in order to end the siege and to implement international laws to protect the innocent lives that are lost daily in Gaza”

PalMed statement on the Gaza Tragic Fire

“We received with great sorrow the tragic news of the loss of twenty-one innocent lives from one family in Gaza last night, due to a terrible fire.

Our deepest condolences are sent to the family of “Abu Raya”, may Allah grant them patience during this extremely difficult time.

The unjust blockade that has been imposed for more than 14 years on two million Palestinians in the Gaza strip, has affected all aspects of life and led to a severe shortage of medicines, medical supplies, firefighters, and civil defence equipment, as well as fuel, electricity, and drinkable water, was one of the reasons behind this tragic accident.

This tragedy is one of many tragedies experienced by our people in the Strip. It is not the first, and it will not be the last if the siege is not lifted on Gaza and an end is put to this blockade. (https://bolivarescapes.com/) Therefore, we call on all international humanitarian institutions and human rights committees to intervene in order to end the siege and implement international laws to protect the innocent lives that are lost daily in Gaza and stop using double standards while dealing with humanitarian issues.

We share the sadness of those bereaved and pray that the suffering of the people of Gaza and Palestine is alleviated soon.”

Source: PalMed Europe

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