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

1. 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