The recently agreed four-day temporary cease-fire offers minimal respite after nearly 50 days of intense fighting, it is simply not enough to avert a total humanitarian catastrophe as people will be forced straight back into a total war zone by next week.

The crisis, caused by the attacks of Hamas on Oct. 7 and the massive Israeli counter-strikes, is an entirely man-made humanitarian catastrophe unfolding in full view of world leaders. Leaders like the government of Indonesia, have played an important role in pushing for a lasting unconditional cease-fire that can prevent more unnecessary deaths and suffering while also allowing the restoration and scale-up of humanitarian aid on which the survival of the population of Gaza depends.

We recognize the recent calls for a lasting cessation of hostilities in Gaza by the Indonesian, Malaysian and Brunei governments in a joint statement issued during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum.

Since 1989, MSF has been providing specialized medical care in the Gaza Strip and during the current conflict MSF staff have supported the Indonesia Hospital, Al-Awda Hospital, Nasser Hospital and run a standalone clinic in Gaza, while also reopening the Al-Shifa operating theater to receive burn and trauma patients in October.

The conflict in Gaza has seen violations of international humanitarian law on several occasions with attacks on healthcare facilities combined with the Israeli government-imposed siege withholding of food, water, fuel and electricity. MSF has condemned the deliberate or indiscriminate strikes on civilians and medical facilities, medical personnel and transportation and we would like to see the Indonesian government do the same.

In Gaza, medical care as the last lifeline or survival space for people itself, is under fire. In this situation, it is impossible for hospitals to function properly given the sheer volume of patients, dwindling medical supplies and lack of clean water and fuel, let alone to function as safe havens.