We welcome the announcement of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, marking a first step towards reducing the overwhelming suffering caused by 15 months of brutal conflict.
Since 7th October 2023, at least 48,200 people have been killed, including over 46,600 Palestinians and 1,600 Israelis. Many more bodies are assumed to remain buried beneath the rubble that were once homes, hospitals, businesses and schools in Gaza. Each life lost highlights the profound human cost of this conflict and reinforces the critical need for peace. We echo the statements of our member organisations and partners, and emphasise the following key priorities:
1. Full Adherence to Ceasefire Terms: All parties must strictly comply with the ceasefire provisions, including the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian detainees and the facilitation of humanitarian aid to Gaza’s civilian population.
2. Unhindered Humanitarian Access: Blockades must be immediately lifted to enable aid at a scale necessary to reach urgent needs. Essential services such as electricity and water must be restored.
3. Protection of Civilians and Infrastructure: All parties must adhere to international humanitarian and human rights law, safeguarding civilians and the remaining critical infrastructure, including hospitals and schools. Palestinians displaced must be allowed to safely return to their homes and be fully supported in the recovery and rebuilding of their lives and livelihoods.
4. Accountability and Justice: It is crucial to hold accountable those responsible for violations of international law, including war crimes and crimes against humanity, to prevent future atrocities and uphold human rights. Fact finding missions and the work of international courts must be respected by all.
5. Commitment to Lasting Peace: The international community must remain committed to securing a permanent ceasefire and addressing the root causes of the conflict, including Israel’s illegal occupation of the Palestinian territory.
ICVA and our members stand ready to support coordinated humanitarian efforts. We urge all stakeholders to engage local actors and work collaboratively towards a sustainable resolution for all affected communities. The path to lasting peace will require an unwavering commitment to humanity, dignity and justice.
Signatories:
- Action Against Hunger (ACF)
2. Action For Humanity
3. Amel Association International
4. Association for Protection of Refugee Women and Children. HAMI
5. Buddhist Tzu Chi Foundation
6. Caritas Internationalis
7. Christian Aid
8. CHS Alliance
9. Church World Service
10. Climate Alliance Pakistan
11. COAST Foundation
12. DanChurchAid
13. Danish Refugee Council
14. Dóchas – The Irish Network for international development & humanitarian organisations
15. Fraternity – International Humanitarian Missions (FIHM)
16. GOAL
17. HelpAge International
18. Humanity & Inclusion – Handicap International
19. ICVA
20. IHH Humanitarian Relief Foundation
21. International Blue Crescent Relief and Development Foundation
22. INTERSOS
23. Islamic Relief Agency. ISRA
24. Jesuit Refugee Service
25. Lutheran World Federation (LWF)
26. Norwegian Church Aid
27. People in Need (PIN)
28. Refugee Consortium of Kenya
29. Refugees Seeking Equal Access at the
30. Scalabrini International Migration Network – SIMN
31. Solidarités International
32. Somali NGO Consortium
33. Tamdeen Youth Foundation
34. Télécoms Sans Frontières
35. Trócaire
36. Welthungerhilfe (WHH)
37. Zamzam Foundation