--- title: "Joint Statement: Ceasefire in Gaza, Lebanon and Israel" description: "Joint Statement calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, Lebanon and Israel and end to impunity amid a spiralling humanitarian catastrophe and escalating regional conflict" url: "https://www.nrc.no/news/2024/october/Joint-Statement-Ceasefire" language: "en" published: "2024-10-24T09:30:32Z" modified: "2024-10-24T09:30:32Z" --- # Joint Statement: Ceasefire in Gaza, Lebanon and Israel Joint Statement calling for a ceasefire in Gaza, Lebanon and Israel and end to impunity amid a spiralling humanitarian catastrophe and escalating regional conflict Press release [Lebanon](https://www.nrc.no/themes?categoryId=74) [Palestine](https://www.nrc.no/themes?categoryId=94) Published 24. Oct 2024 This article was first published more than 1 year ago We, the undersigned organisations, appeal to all UN member states to secure an immediate ceasefire across Gaza, Lebanon, Israel and the region, and to end the impunity that has allowed atrocities by Israeli forces against civilians to continue and escalate. Without accountability, there will be no red lines and no rock bottom. Israel’s war in Gaza, following the deadly attacks by Palestinian armed groups on 7 October 2023, is the latest and most horrific onslaught of violence in the decades-long Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory. After a year of unfathomable killing and destruction, patterns of civilian harm by Israeli forces are spreading and escalating from Gaza to Lebanon, while rocket attacks by armed groups in Lebanon continue. We are now on the precipice of even greater devastation across the region. Failure to act now is a choice - a choice that will fail to stop and prevent future atrocities.The UN Commission of Inquiry [concluded](https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2024/10/un-commission-finds-war-crimes-and-crimes-against-humanity-israeli-attacks) last week that Israel has committed war crimes and the crime against humanity of extermination with relentless and deliberate attacks on medical personnel and facilities in Gaza, and called on member states to “[cease aiding or assisting in the commission of violations](https://documents.un.org/doc/undoc/gen/n24/262/79/pdf/n2426279.pdf).” Over the last 12 months, the UN Security Council has passed four resolutions on Gaza, including one calling for a ceasefire, and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has ordered Israel to take all measures within its power to prevent the commission of all acts within the scope of Article II of the Genocide Convention. The ICJ also issued an Advisory Opinion that found that Israel’s occupation1 and annexation of Palestinian territory is illegal, and the UN General Assembly passed a resolution demanding that Israel end its unlawful presence in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) within 12 months. Despite this, none of these measures have been implemented or adhered to. The international community’s egregious disregard for international law and the government of Israel’s unchecked impunity in Gaza, the West Bank and now Lebanon, has set dangerous new precedents for the conduct of war. For civilians in the occupied Palestinian territory, Lebanon and Israel this has resulted in: - Israeli military actions killing over [43,000 Palestinians](https://app.powerbi.com/view?r=eyJrIjoiODAxNTYzMDYtMjQ3YS00OTMzLTkxMWQtOTU1NWEwMzE5NTMwIiwidCI6ImY2MTBjMGI3LWJkMjQtNGIzOS04MTBiLTNkYzI4MGFmYjU5MCIsImMiOjh9 "https://app.powerbi.com/view?r=eyJrIjoiODAxNTYzMDYtMjQ3YS00OTMzLTkxMWQtOTU1NWEwMzE5NTMwIiwidCI6ImY2MTBjMGI3LWJkMjQtNGIzOS04MTBiLTNkYzI4MGFmYjU5MCIsImMiOjh9") across the oPt and more than [2,000 people](https://www.unocha.org/publications/report/lebanon/lebanon-flash-update-36-escalation-hostilities-lebanon-17-october-2024) in Lebanon. - Israeli forces issuing displacement orders covering over [84% of Gaza's territory](https://www.ochaopt.org/content/reported-impact-snapshot-gaza-strip-22-october-2024) and now [25% of Lebanon’s territory](https://www.unhcr.org/news/briefing-notes/unhcr-lebanon-crisis-deepens-israeli-airstrikes-intensify). These orders, combined with Israel’s bombardment, have forcibly displaced around [90% of Gaza's population](https://www.unrwa.org/resources/reports/unrwa-situation-report-141-situation-gaza-strip-and-west-bank-including-east-jerusalem) and over [800,000 people](https://reliefweb.int/report/lebanon/lebanon-flash-update-37-escalation-hostilities-lebanon-21-october-2024) in Lebanon. - An estimated 400,000 Palestinians are under siege and relentless bombardment in northern Gaza without access to food, water, fuel, or medical care. ([UNRWA](https://www.unrwa.org/resources/reports/unrwa-situation-report-144-situation-gaza-strip-and-west-bank-including-east-jerusalem)) - The killing of [over 300 Palestinian and international aid workers](https://www.ochaopt.org/content/reported-impact-snapshot-gaza-strip-22-october-2024), and over [1000 health care](https://www.ochaopt.org/content/reported-impact-snapshot-gaza-strip-22-october-2024) workers in Gaza and [95 in Lebanon](https://www.unocha.org/publications/report/lebanon/lebanon-flash-update-36-escalation-hostilities-lebanon-17-october-2024). UN peacekeeping forces in Lebanon are also coming under attack by Israeli forces ([UNIFIL](https://unifil.unmissions.org/unifil-statement-13-october-2024)). Israeli military attacks on hospitals, clinics, and ambulances have decimated the health care system in Gaza, and are [destroying it in Lebanon](https://www.who.int/news/item/16-10-2024-attacks-on-hospitals-and-health-workers-jeopardize-provision-of-health-in-lebanon) - leaving millions without access to care. - Countless children and adults are dying of malnutrition and facing the risk of starvation, directly induced by the Israeli government’s siege on Gaza, which includes systematic obstruction of humanitarian aid and essential services. ([IPC](https://www.ipcinfo.org/fileadmin/user_upload/ipcinfo/docs/IPC_Gaza_Strip_Acute_Food_Insecurity_Malnutrition_Sep2024_Apr2025_Special_Snapshot.pdf)) - The killing of nearly 1,200 people in Israel during the Palestinian armed group led attacks on October 7, 2023 ([OCHA](https://www.ochaopt.org/content/reported-impact-snapshot-gaza-strip-22-october-2024)). - Rockets fired by Palestinian and Lebanese armed groups have killed and injured dozens of people ([Amnesty International](https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2024/09/lebanon-israel-fears-for-safety-of-civilians-grow-as-devastating-death-toll-in-lebanon-continues-to-rise/)) and displaced over [140,000](https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/10/07/kibbutz-beeri-israel-hamas-october-7-attacks-aftermath/)[Israelis](https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2024/10/07/kibbutz-beeri-israel-hamas-october-7-attacks-aftermath/). - [101 hostages](https://www.ochaopt.org/sites/default/files/Gaza_Reported_Impact_Snapshot_22_OIctober_2024.pdf) remain held by Palestinian armed groups, and thousands of Palestinians are unlawfully[detained](https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2024/10/un-commission-finds-war-crimes-and-crimes-against-humanity-israeli-attacks)by Israeli forces in detention centers, including children, many whose whereabouts are unknown and have effectively disappeared. Many among us have repeatedly called for a permanent and unconditional [ceasefire](https://www.change.org/p/sign-and-share-this-urgent-petition-calling-for-a-ceasefirenow-in-gaza-and-israel), [hostage release](https://www.change.org/p/sign-and-share-this-urgent-petition-calling-for-a-ceasefirenow-in-gaza-and-israel), a [halt to arms transfers](https://www.amnesty.org/en/latest/news/2024/01/more-than-250-humanitarian-and-human-rights-organisations-call-to-stop-arms-transfers-to-israel-palestinian-armed-groups/), and [de-escalation](https://actionaid.org/news/2024/all-political-and-diplomatic-means-must-be-utilised-prevent-increased-civilian-harm-and#:~:text=The%2013%20undersigned%20humanitarian%20NGOs,escalate%20tensions%20in%20the%20region.) of tensions in the region, and yet the violence only appears to be intensifying. Again, we call on all Heads of State and Governments, the UN Security Council, and actors on the ground to prioritise the preservation of human life above all else by: ● Securing an immediate ceasefire by all parties to the conflict and an end to the indiscriminate attacks that kill civilians and destroy civilian infrastructure; ● Halting the transfer of weapons, parts, and ammunition to parties to the conflict that may be used to commit violations of international humanitarian law (IHL); ● Enabling unhindered humanitarian access for the delivery of lifesaving assistance, including food, medical supplies and fuel, and the safe movements of civilians and aid workers. ● Ensuring the protection of civilians from further forced displacement, and the right to return for those forcibly displaced. Civilians who choose to stay or are unable to leave remain protected under international law. ● Securing the release of all hostages and detainees. ● Immediately activating independent international investigations into all apparent violations of international humanitarian law and war crimes committed by all parties. Governments must do everything in their power to end this growing catastrophe and cycle of impunity. It is not only a moral imperative but a legal obligation. All Member States must prevent further atrocities and ensure that those responsible for any violations of international law, including war crimes and crimes against humanity, are held accountable. Failure to act now risks further eroding international norms and emboldening perpetrators. The cycle of violence against civilians needs to stop. **Signatories:** 1. ABCD Bethlehem 2. Access Center for Human Rights (ACHR) 3. AFSC, American Friends Service Committee 4. ALEF - act for human rights 5. Alternatives Internationales 6. Amos Trust 7. Anglican Pacifist Fellowship 8. Applied Research Institute-Jerusalem 9. Asamblea de Cooperación por la Paz (ACPP) 10. Asociación Otra Escuela 11. Association Switzerland-Palestine (Gesellschaft Schweiz-Palästina) 12. Avaaz 13. Baytna pour le soutien de la société civile 14. Belgium Palestine Mental Health Network 15. Cairo Institute for Human Rights Studies 16. Caritas Internationalis 17. Caritas MONA (Middle East and North Africa) 18. CCFD-Terre Solidaire 19. Children Not Numbers 20. Christian Aid 21. Churches for Middle East Peace (CMEP) 22. CIVICUS 23. Clowns Without Borders Sweden 24. Clowns Without Borders UK 25. CNCD-11.11.11 26. Collective Aid 27. Comisión de Justicia y Paz de Confregua 28. Cordaid 29. Corporate Europe Observatory (CEO) 30. Council for Arab-British Understanding (Caabu) 31. Danish Refugee Council 32. DAWN 33. Egala Association 34. Emmaus International 35. Equal Legal Aid 36. EuroMed Rights Network 37. Europe Cares e.V. 38. European Alternatives 39. Fellowship of Reconciliation - USA 40. Fenix Humanitarian Legal Aid 41. Firefly International 42. Forces Watch 43. FORO SALUD NACIONAL 44. France Palestine Mental Health Network 45. FSMAGH (Forum des alternatives Maroc - FMAS) 46. Fund for Global Human Rights 47. Global Centre for the Responsibility to Protect 48. Global Network of Women Peacebuilders (GNWP) 49. Global Witness 50. Greek Council for Refugees (GCR) 51. HelpAge International 52. Hivos 53. Human Rights & Democracy Media Center “SHAMS"/Palestine 54. Human Rights Sentinel 55. Human Security Collective 56. Humanity & Inclusion/Handicap International 57. ICNA SISTERS CANADA 58. Initiatives et Changement 59. International Center for Transitional Justice (ICTJ) 60. International Civil Society Action Network (ICAN) 61. International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) 62. International Fellowship of Reconciliation (IFOR) 63. International Peace Bureau (IPB) 64. INTERSOS 65. Ireland Palestine Mental Health Network 66. Islamic Relief Worldwide 67. Jewish Network for Palestine 68. Jewish Voice for Peace-Health Advisory Council 69. KAIROS Canadian Ecumenical Justice Initiatives 70. Kenya Human Rights Commission 71. KinderUSA 72. Knowledge Platform Security & Rule of Law 73. Lebanese Center for human Rights 74. MADRE 75. Mayworks Kjipuktuk/Halifax 76. Médecins du Monde International Network 77. medico international 78. Medicus Mundi Italia 79. Migrant Roots Media 80. Minnesota Peace Project 81. Movement for community-led Development 82. MPower Change Action Fund 83. Muslim Association of Brantford 84. Muslim Delegates and Allies 85. Musulmanas de Guatemala por Palestina 86. NO NAME KITCHEN 87. Nonviolence International 88. Nonviolent Peaceforce 89. Norwegian Refugee Council 90. Olof Palmes Internationella Center 91. Omega Research Foundation 92. Oxfam 93. Palestinian Assoc. of Brantford 94. PAX 95. Pax Christi Australia 96. Pax christi Deutsche Sektion 97. Pax Christi England and Wales 98. Pax Christi Flanders 99. Pax Christi International 100. Pax Christi Scotland 101. Pax Christi USA 102. Peace Boat 103. Peace Direct 104. Peace SOS 105. Peace Watch Switzerland 106. Peace, Justice, Sustainability, NOW! 107. People's Health Movement (PHM) 108. Permanent Peace Movement 109. Plan International 110. Plateforme des ONG françaises pour la Palestine 111. Polish Medical Mission 112. Première Urgence Internationale 113. Progressive Democrats of Pennsylvania 114. Protection International 115. PVE Works 116. Quakers in Scotland (Religious Society of Friends) 117. Resource Centre for human Rights & Civic Education (CHRICED) 118. ReThinking Foreign Policy 119. Rethinking Security 120. Righting Relations Canada 121. Saferworld 122. SAM Organization for Rights and Liberties 123. Seenaryo 124. Share The World's Resources 125. SOS Children's Villages UK 126. Ster Organization for human development 127. Syrian Network for Human Rights (SNHR) 128. Tamkeen for Legal Aid and Human Rights 129. Terre des Hommes Netherlands 130. The Advocacy Academy 131. The Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace, and Security 132. The Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation 133. The International Federation for Rights and Development - IFRD 134. The Kvinna till Kvinna Foundation 135. The Namibia NGO Forum Trust 136. The National Organization of Yemeni Reporters SADA 137. The socio-economic Justice Initiative-MAAN 138. The Syria Campaign 139. Train of Hope Dortmund e. V. 140. UK Palestine Mental Health Network 141. United Nations Association - UK (UNA-UK) 142. University Network for Human Rights 143. US Council of Muslim Organizations (USCMO) 144. Vision GRAM-International 145. War Child 146. WESPAC Foundation, Inc. 147. WeWorld 148. WILPF US 149. Women for Women International 150. Women's International League for Peace & Freedom-Minnesota, USA, Branch 151. World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT) 152. Yemen Relief and Reconstruction Foundation مؤسسة الجلك لالستجابة والتنميه 153. مؤسسة مدافعات للحقوق والحريات 154.