Christian Aid says the four-day pause in exchange for the release of 50 Israeli hostages by Hamas in Gaza falls far short of the permanent ceasefire necessary to provide desperately needed supplies.
The pause is due to take effect tomorrow [Thursday 0800 GMT]. Since 7 October, more than 11,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza. 1,200 Israelis have also been killed while over 236 remain as hostages [OCHA, 21 November].
William Bell, Head of Middle East Policy and Advocacy at Christian Aid, said: “Any news that the bombing will stop, albeit temporarily, and hostages released is good news.
“We hope it will be some respite to Palestinian civilians in Gaza surviving through relentless bombardment and allow some much-needed aid into Gaza. However, it’s absolutely wrong that all hostages have not been immediately released.
“Let's be clear, this is not a ceasefire. This is a pause in fighting. Christian Aid maintains that only a permanent ceasefire can safely deliver the scale of humanitarian aid required for the millions who have been displaced, without medical relief and are dealing with the traumatising effects of this siege.
“A humanitarian pause alone risks a pause, bomb, pause, bomb scenario. That is dehumanising, unacceptable and offers little room for hope or the conditions to achieve a lasting peace.
“All world leaders with influence should press for a full and permanent ceasefire to come into effect immediately. It remains the only serious option to avert further loss of civilian life and deepening this humanitarian catastrophe.”
ENDS.
Note to Editors: For interviews, contact probertson@christian-aid.org
