“Today we have the hopeful news of a first phase of a ceasefire agreement. After two years of genocide, with relentless bombardment, famine, and repeated displacement in Gaza, this announcement brings cautious relief.
“Gaza cannot wait: An immediate and permanent ceasefire, the entry of life-saving aid in line with humanitarian principles and at scale, hostages and Palestinian detainees going home to their families, the initial and partial withdrawal of Israeli troops, are all urgently needed developments.
“Independent humanitarian organisations, coordinated by the UN, must have full, unhindered access to deliver food, health care, clean water, shelter materials, and other essential assistance that Palestinians in Gaza has been deprived of for too long. Palestinian NGOs and civil society organisations, especially women and youth, are central for aid to reach those who need it the most.
“There is an urgent need to establish a medical corridor between Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and recovery efforts urgently require heavy machinery for rubble removal.
“Palestinians who have been internally displaced—most of them multiple times—must be able to return to their land without Israeli authorities dictating who, when, where and how.
“Agreements are only valuable if they are respected and rooted in respect for human rights. International law is not optional. This initial agreement must be used as a springboard to end the Israeli genocide and unlawful occupation. We call on the international community that has facilitated the brokering of this deal to ensure guarantees are in place so that all agreed upon steps are followed by both parties. There can be no double standards.
“This is a pivotal moment. We are witnessing unprecedented global solidarity and growing recognition of Palestinian statehood. We must not lose this momentum towards the realization of Palestinian self-determination and ownership must remain central to any pathway forward.
“Any recovery process must be led by Palestinians, including women and young people, who must be at the heart of the decision-making regarding their own future. States that have enabled the near-total destruction of Gaza have a responsibility to enable reconstruction.
“While Gaza faces this glimmer of hope, we cannot turn away from what is happening in the West Bank, the unlawful occupation, ongoing annexation acceleration, illegal settlement expansion, unlawful mass demolitions and forced displacement, and Government sanctioned settler violence. There too, States must hold the Government of Israel to account and ensure international law is respected and end the impunity with decisive action.
“We know there is still a long road ahead, but today, we are cautiously optimistic that the world will do what is needed so this day can be the beginning of justice, recovery, and dignity for the Palestinian people.”
[ENDS]
Jamil Sawalmeh, Country Director of ActionAid Palestine and Riham Jafari, Advocacy and Communications Coordinator at ActionAid Palestine, are available for interview. To arrange an interview please contact Steph Wulf, Senior Communications Manager, ActionAid Australia: [email protected]