Gaza: Ceasefire must mark end to two years of death and starvation

“Today’s announcement of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas offers a glimmer of hope after two years of unrelenting death, destruction and displacement in Gaza. Both parties must act in good faith and do everything possible to ensure that the truce holds.   

“There must be a full commitment to end hostilities, release the hostages and Palestinian detainees, and allow aid agencies to deliver much-needed relief at scale. Displaced Palestinians must be able to safely return to their homes and communities.  

“Stopping the bombing alone will not end survivors’ suffering. Displacement is widespread. Famine is still spreading. Essential infrastructure has been destroyed. Humanitarian organisations must have full, unrestricted access to bring in food, medicine, shelter materials, and other essential supplies that Gaza has been deprived of for two years.  

“The Norwegian Refugee Council has hundreds of truckloads of aid ready to enter Gaza with emergency shelter materials, education supplies, and hygiene kits. Our staff are on the ground and ready to scale up support. We call on the international community to ensure Israel facilitates our access. 

“We must not repeat the mistakes of previous ceasefires. This truce cannot be another fragile pause before renewed bloodshed, and Israel must not use it as an opportunity to escalate its military operations and enable settler violence in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.  

“We also cannot return to the status quo that existed before 7 October, and the international community must use this moment to pursue a just and lasting solution that provides security guarantees for Israel, ends the occupation, supports a Palestinian-led reconstruction process, and ensures Palestinians’ rights, including the right to self-determination.  

“Today must mark the beginning of a permanent end to hostilities and a path toward peace, justice, and accountability.”  

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:    

• NRC global media hotline: media@nrc.no, +47 905 62 329    

• Ahmed Bayram, media advisor:  ahmed.bayram@nrc.no, +962 790 160 147