Israel and Hamas agree a ceasefire in Gaza – Peace Direct

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After 466 days of devastation and indiscriminate attacks, Israel and Hamas have agreed on a phased ceasefire. Peace Direct welcomes this positive step forward.

We hope to see the immediate implementation of the pause in fighting on 19 January, the release of hostages and prisoners, and the urgent restoration of vital humanitarian support in Gaza.

This agreement is long overdue and already proving fragile. Israel have delayed a cabinet meeting to officially approve the ceasefire, with far-right allies of President Benjamin Netanyahu refusing to back the deal.

It also comes too late for hundreds of thousands of people. At least 46,645 Palestinians have reportedly been killed, although the actual death toll is potentially 41% higher, and 110,000 injured. Approximately 1,589 Israelis have been killed and almost 8,000 injured. Within hours of the ceasefire agreement, Israeli airstrikes reportedly killed 81 people in Gaza, including an attack on a school. Many fear that Israel will use the time before the ceasefire begins to continue such brutal attacks on Gaza.

Since 7 October 2023, Israeli forces have launched a campaign of ethnic cleansing that many have determined may amount to genocide. Gaza’s infrastructure has been completely devastated. There have been regular attacks on schools, shelters, and other supposed safe spaces. As a result, none of Gaza’s 36 hospitals are fully functional.

The entire population of Gaza is in desperate need of humanitarian support. Gazans face catastrophic food insecurity and the deliberate deprivation of clean water. Forced displacement of 90% of the population has undermined access to any of the limited aid that has reached the territory, and contributed to the rapid spread of deadly diseases.

Listen to local voices

A ceasefire is the bare minimum. The international community must centre local voices in all efforts to end fighting permanently, support and rebuild Gaza, reach justice, and find sustainable peace.

Palestinian peacebuilders have stressed that the rebuilding of Gaza “must be comprehensive, transparent and tailored to the survivors’ needs.”

We call on international governments – particularly the UK and US, where we are based – to end arms sales to Israel, and apply pressure on all parties involved to ensure a lasting, sustainable ceasefire across the region.

As local peacebuilders have repeatedly emphasised, peace is only possible with an end to genocide and occupation, and with justice for all.

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