On Tuesday I received this SOS message from Gaza and I hope that all world leaders attending the second day of the NATO summit in The Hague today read it:
The current situation in Gaza is very difficult. Food is very scarce, prices are high, and aid distribution has not yet begun. Those who go to receive aid to get a little food either return carrying some food or lose their lives as a result of the Israeli army targeting those waiting for aid, and many lose their lives as a result. Life is very difficult. We are in the summer season and the temperature is high, and the situation is getting worse in the tents as they are close together and do not protect from the heat during the day or the cold at night. Therefore, people resort to reducing the heat with water, so they need water, and unfortunately it is generally not available. We are trying to operate the wells in the area, but what makes the matter difficult is the lack of electricity, and alternatives to operating the wells are very difficult and expensive. In the past, people used to go to the beach at this time to reduce the temperature, but now it is forbidden to approach the sea in many areas of the beach, and this is by decision of the Israeli army. Children (infants) are starving. There is no milk for children or nutritional supplements. Their bodies have become emaciated, and some of them have died. The situation is very dangerous. There is no water, no food, and no treatment available. Everyone is suffering. We are slowly dying.
I am writing you this letter and my heart is breaking with pain. My baby [name] is sick and I can’t find any treatment or diapers for her. She is suffering from malnutrition. There is no milk or food for her to improve her health. My wife is also suffering from malnutrition. Her weight has lost a noticeable amount of weight and she is no longer able to breastfeed our baby. There is no healthy food. There are no nutrients. The price of flour is high, the prices of vegetables are very high, and the prices of proteins and sugars are very, very, very high. We don’t know what to do.
Hopefully our Dutch leaders can urge President Trump to ensure that the situation for the people in Gaza becomes livable again. For example, by opening the borders to large-scale humanitarian aid. There are 9,000 trucks with humanitarian aid waiting at the border. Of course, there must also be an end to the bombing, and the shooting. May all hostages be freed. It is time for peace in Gaza and the rest of the world. I hope the hearts of world leaders soften. Let us care for each other and nature. Hopefully soon there will be: A World In Which All Children Can Play.
May-May Meijer
Chairperson, Peace SOS
Photo: Tents in Gaza.
Note: This article was published in Dutch under the title: SOS-bericht uit Gaza on the Joop BNNVARA website on 25th June, 2025.