What is happening in Gaza cannot be justified: it contradicts the fundamental principles of human rights protection and is a violation of international law

Dear Prime Minister and Members of Government,

As the three largest humanitarian organisations in the Czech Republic, we monitor the extent of human suffering stemming from systematic violations of international humanitarian law daily. Civilians are killed indiscriminately, the system of supply and impartial distribution of humanitarian aid has collapsed, food distribution is accompanied by shooting, children are dying of hunger, and families are repeatedly forcibly displaced.

UN data is clear: as of July 30, 2025, the total number of fatalities—the vast majority of whom are civilians—exceeds 60,000 people, including 18,000 children. In addition, there are almost 150,000 injured. Most civilian infrastructure has been damaged or destroyed, including 92% of housing units. Since the beginning of the conflict, over 1,580 health workers, more than 495 aid workers, and 229 journalists have been killed.

One in four children admitted to MSF care suffers from acute malnutrition, and according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), a catastrophic famine scenario is unfurling. The distribution of aid through the militarised Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, controversial airdrops, and the limited number of trucks allowed in is inadequate.

87.3% of Gaza, an area the size of Prague, is a militarised zone or under evacuation orders, cramming nearly two million people into less than 13% of the territory.

Czech foreign policy is based not only on allied commitments and economic interests, but also on value-based and legal commitments. The Czech Government’s position, which avoids naming the causes of the suffering described above, is unacceptable and incompatible with its declared values. Condemning indiscriminate and disproportionate military operations, the dehumanisation of civilians and the widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure is not a manifestation of bias or a denial of the right to self-defence. It is a consistent defence of the fundamental values to which the Czech Republic has long adhered, and a fulfilment of the legal obligation to strive for respect for international humanitarian law by all parties.

We appeal to the Government of the Czech Republic to:

• 1) unequivocally condemn violations of international humanitarian law in Gaza, including violations of the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precautionary measures, and oppose plans for the forced resettlement of Gazans to third countries;
• 2) 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;
• 3) immediately support an end to the blockade of Gaza and the restoration of a functional system of independent and impartial humanitarian aid under the coordination of the UN, with an emphasis on its fair distribution and measures to prevent its misuse.

The situation in Gaza is critical; urgent action is needed.

Signed:

Czech Red Cross, People in Need, Doctors Without Borders