Gaza, there are eighty tons of aid blocked for four months, collected by citizens of Genoa

ROMA (DIRE Agency) – Eighty tons of humanitarian aid has been blocked for almost four months. Collected thanks to the generosity of the citizens of Genoa and beyond, for a value of approximately 800 thousand euros, they would be destined for the most vulnerable communities in the Gaza Strip. However, they remain firm, in defiance of international humanitarian law. Stefano Rebora, founder of the NGO, reported the matter Music for Peacea story of solidarity commitment even in theaters of conflict, from Sudan to Ukraine to the Middle East. The load, placed in four containers at the organization’s headquarters in the Sampierdarena district, was ready for delivery as early as June 20th. What blocked it, according to Rebora, was “the lack of adequate support from interested parties, both national and international, in speeding up and following the procedures”.

The reconstruction of the reasons for the blockade. Music for Peace reconstructs the latest developments in a note released yesterday. “On October 1st we will again submit the ‘packing lists’ to Cogat, through the intermediation of Unops and this request is awaiting response”, we read in the text with reference to the Coordination of the Israeli government’s activities in the Palestinian Territories and the United Nations Office for Development and Projects. Then there are new rules introduced by Tel Aviv, of which we were informed the following day. “Regulations which immediately affected humanitarian convoys, which already suffered a frightening slowdown in the month of September which must be added to the general difficulty of carrying out shipments in that area”.

There are also responsibilities of the Italian government. The NGO also highlights the responsibilities of the Italian government. “The Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, in an interview given to Avvenire, announced the decision to involve the Faoil Wfpthe Red Cross and the Red Crescent” recalls the NGO. “However, it is surprising that an organization officially recognized by the ministry has not received any feedback regarding requests for coordination with its authorities.”

At stake are the principles of international law. Again this year, in April, Music for Peace had managed to deliver a convoy of around 40 tons of aid to Gaza. At stake, according to the organization, are “the principles of international humanitarian law”, in particular the Geneva Convention of 1949 and the additional protocols of 1977. According to these documents, “the parties involved in an armed conflict have the obligation to allow and facilitate the rapid and unhindered passage of humanitarian aid intended for civilian populations”.