Speaking in response to Keir Starmer's speech this morning on the Israel-Hamas war, Christian Aid has warned a humanitarian pause "falls far short of what’s needed to aid civilians in Gaza, and lay the groundwork for talks on a durable and just peace.”
The humanitarian charity is reiterating calls for an immediate ceasefire to support humanitarians in Gaza to deliver a safe and effective humanitarian response. On Monday night, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected calls for a ceasefire in Gaza, saying "this is a time for war"
Christian Aid’s Head of Middle East Policy and Advocacy, William Bell, said:
“The people of Gaza are facing one of the worst humanitarian crises in living memory. Over 8,000 Palestinians have been killed, over 1.4 million displaced and airstrikes continue to destroy homes, schools, and healthcare facilities.
“Christian Aid, alongside over 20 church leaders and Christian organisations, is calling for an immediate ceasefire because without it, our local partners in Gaza don’t believe a safe and effective humanitarian response is possible.
“A humanitarian pause, by definition, is just a short break in violence. It falls far short of what’s needed to aid civilians in Gaza, and lay the groundwork for talks on a durable and just peace. That is the certainty a ceasefire can bring, and it is the moral responsibility of international leaders to press for it.
“Ultimately, the cycle of violence will not end, and innocent people will continue to pay the price, until Palestinians and Israelis are treated as equals and the occupation of Gaza, and the West Bank is ended.”
Alongside over 20 church leaders and Christian organisations, Christian Aid is also calling for the immediate and unconditional release of all Israeli hostages, and for the International Criminal Court to carry out an independent investigation into all alleged war crimes to ensure accountability.
ENDS.
Notes to editors:
For more information on Christian Aid’s joint statement with church leaders and Christian organisations, please see here.
Background:
Christian Aid has been working with local partners in the Middle East since the early 1950s. Since the current crisis began, these organisations have been responding as best they can with emergency first aid; food, from local suppliers and farmers; and other essential supplies, including water and sanitation kits.
In Gaza, Christian Aid has already transferred the funds for:
- Cash transfers to people recently displaced in Khan Younis. This was so successful that the partner immediately asked if we could do the same project again.
- Medical support, including paying for mobile treatment for chronic illnesses for displaced people and wound dressing for those who require their wounds to be dressed to reduce the chance of infection.
In Gaza, Christian Aid is now preparing to transfer the funds for:
- Distribution of a wide range of Non-Food Items (that are available in the market) to support those sheltering in Gaza City (3,500-5,000 people). This is primarily focused on people, including the small Christian community in Gaza, who are sheltering in Saint Porphyrius church, which was hit on Friday 29 October.
- Staff welfare and basic needs. Cash grants to staff, all of whom are displaced. Many have had their homes destroyed completely or partially. Also, a fund for psychosocial support staff. Two ‘pilots’ for addressing basic needs using existing local mechanisms: 1) developing a model for water distribution for hygiene with well owners across Gaza, and 2) working with local farmers who are still risking their lives to tend to their crops on the distribution of vegetables to people across Gaza.
