Avril Benoit, the executive director of Doctors Without Borders in the U.S., and Janti Soeripto, the president of Save the Children, discussed the tragic situation in Gaza where over 200 humanitarian aid workers have been killed since October 7. Soeripto highlighted the devastating impact on children, noting that more children have been killed in this conflict than in all armed conflicts globally over the past four years. Benoit emphasized the need for attention to be drawn to all civilian casualties, not just those of international aid workers, as every life should be considered of great value regardless of nationality.
Benoit also expressed concern over the pattern of attacks on medical workers and journalists in Gaza, stressing that humanitarian aid workers are there to save lives and alleviate suffering. She pointed out that the recent attack on World Central Kitchen workers, which garnered significant international attention, should not overshadow the ongoing violence against civilians and aid workers in the region. Both Benoit and Soeripto emphasized the need for accountability for these attacks and for greater protection of civilians and aid workers in conflict zones.
Soeripto highlighted the dehumanizing effect of allowing attacks on aid workers, schools, and hospitals to continue unchecked, noting that there are laws and rules of war that are being disregarded in Gaza. She called for more tangible action from world leaders, pointing out that despite expressions of outrage, arms sales to Israel have continued. Both Benoit and Soeripto emphasized the urgent need for increased access for humanitarian aid supplies and personnel in order to address the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, including famine and acute malnutrition.
In response to questions about the timeline for reversing a famine, Soeripto emphasized that it depends on various factors, including access for aid supplies and the willingness of political leaders to prioritize humanitarian needs. Benoit reiterated the urgent need for an investigation into the deaths of aid workers in Gaza, criticizing Israel’s disregard for international humanitarian law in conducting the conflict. She underscored the need for a medical response to address the severe malnutrition and health issues facing civilians in Gaza, stressing the importance of timely and effective intervention to save lives.
The conversation underscored the urgent need for increased international attention and action to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, including protection for aid workers and accountability for attacks on civilians. Benoit and Soeripto called for a greater focus on the human cost of the conflict, particularly on vulnerable populations such as children, and stressed the need for world leaders to prioritize humanitarian needs and uphold international humanitarian law. The interview shed light on the ongoing challenges faced by humanitarian organizations in providing aid in conflict zones and the urgent need for a coordinated and effective response to the crisis in Gaza.
