Statement by Principals of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee - Humanitarian chiefs will not take part in unilateral

Statement by Principals of the Inter-Agency Standing Committee Humanitarian chiefs will not take part in unilateral proposals to create “safe zones” in Gaza 16 November 2023 NEW YORK/GENEVA/ROME, 16 November 2023 – As humanitarian leaders, our position is clear: We will not participate in the establishment of any ”safe zone” in Gaza that is set up without the agreement of all the parties, and unle. [...] Without the right conditions, concentrating civilians in such zones in the context of active hostilities can raise the risk of attack and additional harm. [...] None of the humanitarian organizations we represent has been involved in preparing for the arrival of displaced people in any prospective “safe zone” – or “humanitarian zone” – in Gaza. [...] The following conditions must be in place for all displaced people in a “safe zone”: • The agreement of the parties to refrain from hostilities in and around the zone and to respect its civilian character. [...] We1 also renew our call for a humanitarian ceasefire to ease the suffering and to help facilitate humanitarian operations, and the release of all hostages.