Gaza Genocide: Global Leaders Warn Elders
- "A significant proportion of manifested trucks are turned away with vital supplies.
- Mary Robinson and @HelenClarkNZ witness the devastating reality at the closed Rafah border with Gaza.
# Gaza Crisis: Elders Warn of ‘genocide and Famine’ as Aid Blocked at Rafah
Former world leaders Helen Clark and Mary Robinson have accused the Israeli government of committing “atrocity crimes” and warned of an unfolding “genocide and famine” in Gaza, following a visit to the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and Gaza. The delegation, representing the international NGO The Elders, witnessed firsthand the obstruction of vital aid deliveries and heard harrowing accounts from civilians.
## Aid Blocked,Health System Collapsing
The Elders reported that a notable proportion of aid trucks attempting to enter Gaza are being turned away,despite desperate need. “Many new mothers are unable to feed themselves or thier newborn babies adequately, and the health system is collapsing,” said Helen Clark, former Prime Minister of New Zealand. “All of this threatens the very survival of an entire generation.”
The delegation observed the situation at the Al-Arish aid warehouse in Egypt, near the Rafah crossing, where supplies are stockpiled but unable to reach those in need.
Mary Robinson, former President of Ireland and UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, highlighted the urgency of the situation in a social media post, stating: “A significant proportion of manifested trucks are turned away with vital supplies. The world needs to know… This has to stop.”
## Calls for Ceasefire, Hostage release, and Accountability
The Elders are calling for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, alongside the unconditional release of all remaining Israeli hostages held in Gaza. They also urged international leaders to leverage their influence to pressure the Israeli government to end what they describe as “atrocity crimes.”
The statement released by The Elders detailed evidence of food and medical aid being denied entry, and witness accounts of Palestinian civilians, including children, being killed while attempting to access aid within Gaza.
Beyond an immediate cessation of hostilities,the group advocated for the “recognition of the State of Palestine,” while acknowledging that this alone would not resolve the immediate crisis. They stressed that halting the unfolding famine and potential genocide requires more drastic action.Specifically, The elders called for an immediate suspension of arms transfers and weapons components to Israel, and for sanctions to be imposed on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
## Mounting International Criticism and War’s Toll
Israel has faced increasing international scrutiny over its 22-month-long military operation in Gaza, with UN-backed experts warning of widespread famine. The situation is further complex by Mr. Netanyahu’s stated intention to expand the war, even without the support of key allies.
The conflict began with Hamas’s attack on Israel in 2023, which resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, according to official figures. Israel’s subsequent offensive has led to at least 61,499 Palestinian deaths in Gaza, according to the health ministry, a figure considered reliable by the United Nations.
The Elders’ report adds to the growing chorus of voices demanding an end to the violence and a renewed focus on humanitarian aid and a lasting political solution.
“A significant proportion of manifested trucks are turned away with vital supplies. The world needs to know…This has to stop.”
Mary Robinson and @HelenClarkNZ witness the devastating reality at the closed Rafah border with Gaza. pic.twitter.com/ocDlg5lUfa
– The Elders (@TheElders) August 12, 2025