Potential Ceasefire in Gaza
If approved, the proposed ceasefire in Gaza would be the first concrete step towards ending violence that, in the space of more than 15 months, has left more than 47,525 dead, 117,168 injured and 1.9 million displaced.
Since EMERGENCY entered Gaza on 15 August 2024, our international team has witnessed the humanitarian situation deteriorate by the day, including limited access to healthcare. Only 47% of hospitals are partially functional (17 out of 36).
The arrival of winter has aggravated poor living and health conditions. Freezing temperatures and heavy rains endanger the survival of the displaced population, who make up 90% of all people in Gaza and are usually living in tents or other makeshift accommodation.
The difficulties concern not only access to treatment and essential medicines, but also access to basic necessities like clean water, food and fuel. Bringing aid into the so-called ‘humanitarian zone’ remains difficult due to the gradual closure of all crossings into Gaza.
The safety of aid workers is also endangered on a daily basis, in violation of international law. More than 363 aid workers have been killed since the beginning of the conflict.
Once again, civilians are the first victims of war and forced to suffer its effects, defenceless.
Since the beginning of the conflict, EMERGENCY has been calling for a ceasefire, the opening of adequate humanitarian corridors and the release of hostages and all prisoners, including hundreds of minors.
EMERGENCY has worked in war zones for thirty years, building hospitals and treating both direct and indirect victims of conflict. We continue to see the effects of wars that ended years ago: the withdrawal of military forces will not mean the end of the suffering. The social and human tragedy of war will continue, and reconstruction efforts will be a long and difficult journey.
A potential truce is an important step towards silencing the weapons, bombs and violence, and respecting international law, placing the security and human rights of the civilian population as the first priority.
Data: OCHA, Reported impact snapshot | Gaza Strip (31 December 2024)