Ceasefire announcement must be used as a springboard to end the Israeli genocide and unlawful occupation
We cautiously welcome the Gaza ceasefire announcement after two years of genocide with relentless bombardment, famine, and repeated displacement it brings real hope of peace.
ActionAid Ireland CEO, Karol Balfe, said however Gaza cannot wait and an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the entry of life-saving aid at scale in line with humanitarian principles, the return of hostages and Palestinian detainees to their families, and the initial and partial withdrawal of Israeli troops are now urgently needed developments.
She said 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. “
Ms Balfe added: “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 realisation of Palestinian self-determination and ownership must remain central to any pathway forward. “
She emphasised that 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.”
She said: “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.
Ms Balfe said 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.
She said there is also an urgent need to establish a medical corridor between Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
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.”
