World Habitat statement on events in Gaza and Israel

We are shocked and sickened by the horrific events in Gaza and Israel. We condemn in the strongest possible terms the October 7^th attacks by Hamas, in which innocent Israelis were killed and taken hostage.

We are deeply distressed by the Israeli response in Gaza and increasingly the West Bank, which has brought about the suffering and deaths of thousands of civilians, as well as the destruction of essential infrastructure, including housing, hospitals, schools, sanitation and energy networks, and all actions which amount to breaches of international law, as described by the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner For Human Rights (Dec 2023).

We believe this atrocious conflict is evolving into a humanitarian catastrophe of enormous proportions, resulting in the displacement of hundreds of thousands of innocent people, which will have devastating consequences for the entire region.

World Habitat will remain guided by its values on human rights and independence in response to these events. As an international charity our beneficiaries are in many countries, they are people of all faiths and backgrounds. We have a responsibility not to discriminate or take sides other than with the principle of human rights and international law.

Throughout our history we have worked with partners and friends in Palestine, Israel, and in neighbouring countries in the middle east, to scale up housing solutions to help people in need. Our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.

Read more:

Statement by UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory