LONDON

The three largest humanitarian organizations in the Czech Republic have called on the government to "unequivocally condemn" the violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza and oppose plans for the forced resettlement of the population.

In a joint statement, the Czech Red Cross, People in Need, and Doctors Without Borders asked Prime Minister Petr Fiala and his government to take action over Gaza, where the situation is "critical," and "urgent action" is needed.

The groups mentioned that they daily monitor the extent of the suffering resulting from the systematic violation of international humanitarian law, saying civilians are being killed in indiscriminate military attacks, while children are dying of hunger.

Citing the UN data, the statement underlined that more than 1,580 healthcare workers, over 495 aid workers, and 229 journalists have been killed in Israeli attacks on Gaza since October 2023.

"87.3% of the territory of Gaza, which is equivalent in size to Prague, is located in a zone of ongoing military operations or is subject to displacement orders."

The groups said the Czech foreign policy is based not only on alliance commitments and economic interests, but also on value-based and legal commitments.

"The position of the Czech government, which avoids naming the causes of the suffering described above, is unacceptable and incompatible with its declared values," they noted.

They demanded the government to "unequivocally condemn" the violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza, including violations of the principles of distinction, proportionality, and preventive measures, and oppose plans for the forced resettlement of residents to third countries.

They also called on the government to use available diplomatic tools to achieve respect for international humanitarian law by both parties to the conflict, including the release of hostages, the achievement of a lasting ceasefire, and the protection of civilians.

The Israeli army, rejecting international calls for a ceasefire, has pursued a brutal offensive on Gaza since Oct. 7, 2023, killing more than 61,000 Palestinians, almost half of them women and children. Israel’s military campaign has devastated the enclave and brought it to the verge of famine.

Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.