A Türkiye-based humanitarian aid group called on Wednesday for renewed international attention to Gaza, saying the enclave's humanitarian crisis remains severe despite a ceasefire agreement that was intended to facilitate aid deliveries and halt fighting.

Mehmet Ali Ortac, deputy chairman of the Umut Kervanı (Hope Caravan) Foundation, made the comments on World Humanitarian Day, observed annually on Aug. 19.

“Gaza must be brought back onto the international agenda,” Ortac told ILKHA, urging people around the world to maintain pressure for humanitarian assistance to reach civilians.

He said the ceasefire agreement called for 600 humanitarian aid trucks to enter Gaza each day, but that only about one-tenth of that number was currently getting through.

“According to the so-called ceasefire agreement, 600 humanitarian aid trucks are supposed to enter Gaza every day, but the aid is not being delivered,” Ortac said.

He accused Israel of continuing military operations and other measures in Gaza despite the ceasefire arrangement.

“Unfortunately, the so-called ceasefire agreement in Gaza has not been implemented since January,” he said, adding that violence and civilian suffering had continued.

The comments come as humanitarian organizations have repeatedly warned of shortages of food, water, medicine and shelter in Gaza and called for greater access for aid operations.

Ortac said people around the world should not allow the humanitarian situation in Gaza to fade from international attention.

“We want Gaza to be brought back onto the agenda and for people of conscience everywhere in the world to raise the issue of aid that cannot reach Gaza,” he said.

He also called on governments, particularly Muslim-majority countries, to take a stronger position in support of Palestinians in Gaza.

“The world and people of conscience must not remain silent,” Ortac said.

He criticized what he described as the international community's failure to impose effective sanctions on Israel despite widespread condemnation of its actions.

“Israel's tentacles of oppression, spreading like an octopus, have also taken hold of the world system,” he said.

Ortac urged international public opinion to maintain pressure on Israel and support Palestinians in Gaza.

“People around the world must continue their resistance. They must stand with the people of Gaza who are resisting Israel's oppression,” he said.

“Israel is now cornered. I believe that if we endure a little longer, the people of Gaza will be able to breathe and humanitarian aid will reach them through the resistance.”

World Humanitarian Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 2008 and is observed each year on Aug. 19 to honor humanitarian workers and highlight the risks they face while assisting people affected by conflict, disasters and other emergencies. (ILKHA)