Since the beginning of this terrible violence in October 2023, I have been unrelenting and unequivocal in my calls for an immediate, unconditional ceasefire in Gaza. I have equally been clear that the October 7 attacks by Hamas were completely abhorrent, and hostages must be released.
Tens of thousands of innocent lives have been lost, with each story as heartwrenching and tragic as the last. There are no words for the pain, suffering and anguish that millions have experienced as a result of this awful war. This ceasefire deal, therefore, is a welcome and significant step towards peace. We must remain cautiously optimistic that this fragile peace will hold. Ahead of the ceasefire taking effect on Sunday 19 January, we have seen the escalation of strikes on Gaza by the Israeli Defense Forces and the international community must do everything to ensure that the terms of the ceasefire are met in full and on schedule. Only by ending the violence and bloodshed, as well as releasing the hostages, can reconstruction of the devastated Gaza Strip begin. The influx and distribution of urgent humanitarian aid must be a priority, as hundreds of thousands of Gazan civilians are starving and on the brink of famine. Over 2 million people on both sides of the border have been displaced from their homes, with many of them now having nothing to which they can return. Regardless of the events of the next few weeks and months, I will continue to be a vocal proponent of peace, reconciliation and a sustainable two-state solution. Comments are closed.
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