Hope for Peace in Gaza
The world seems to be collectively holding its breath, desperately hoping the ceasefire in Gaza holds and peace is finally achieved.
The news of the ceasefire brought huge, overdue relief and hope tempered with caution and apprehension.
After two years of horrific war, there is jubilation at the announcement of a peace deal. There is heartache at the death, destruction and trauma the people of Palestine have experienced. There is fear in the unknown and the question of whether or not the ceasefire will hold. And there is overwhelm at the long road ahead to rebuild – both the nation and her people.
A prisoner and hostage exchange was the first phase of the peace plan between Israel and Hamas with the remains of all the dead hostages still to be returned to Israel in phase two. Israel slowed shipments of aid into Gaza while it waited for the remains to be returned.
Meanwhile, the Gaza Health Ministry reported five people were killed in an Israeli drone attack on Tuesday in Gaza City.
The ceasefire comes after a deal was reached during negotiations in Egypt last week. An international summit was held this week with leaders from more than 20 countries discussing the proposal to end the war.
Act for Peace joined over 50 NGOs issuing a joint statement welcoming the ceasefire agreement in Gaza but acknowledging the long journey ahead to achieve lasting peace.
We wholeheartedly join the call for justice, accountability and long-term stability, demanding an end to two years of forced displacement of Palestinians in Gaza.
Read the joint statement in full
Help Act for Peace today by giving to our Emergency Appeal to help provide life-saving support for families in Gaza. Middle East Emergency Appeal | Act for Peace