Statement: Ceasefire must be delivered for the people of Gaza

The world is waking up each morning to new scenes of immense suffering of civilians.  There is nowhere for the people of Gaza to flee.  As airstrikes have increased in the north, the Israeli military has once again demanded populations move south, forcing hundreds of thousands of people from their homes, while providing little protection for civilians as airstrikes continue to target areas where displaced Palestinians have fled. 

Yesterday [30 October], members of the UN Security Council heard from UN agencies with operations in Gaza who relayed that 670,000 people are now taking shelter in overcrowded UNRWA schools and facilities. That there is no safe place in Gaza.  That there have been 34 attacks on healthcare facilities, including 21 on hospitals over the course of the last three weeks. And that aid entering Gaza is still significantly less than before the recent escalation.  

Last Thursday, the UN General Assembly voted overwhelmingly for a ceasefire in Gaza.  Yet, not only has the UN Security Council failed to pass a resolution calling for a ceasefire, some member states are still voicing clear opposition to one. 

DRC is clear that a ceasefire is imperative to ending humanitarian suffering and preventing more innocent lives being lost. You can add your voice here: Petition · #CeasefireNow: Open Call for an Immediate Ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and Israel · Change.org 

Charlotte Slente said, “Innocent women and children are paying the price of Israel’s escalating military action.  Civilians and civilian infrastructure – including hospitals – must never be a target.  The humanitarian disaster unfolding must be addressed. The world will expect accountability for violations of international law that have taken place.  The international community must urgently deliver a ceasefire for the people of Gaza.”