Ceasefire reached in Gaza between Israel, Hamas
Why It Matters
The conflict, which has killed at least 46,000 people, has been raging for 460 days. Aid on the ground to citizens has been mostly blocked, leading to the mass starvation of the Palestinian people.
A ceasefire deal has been reached in Gaza after 460 days of a conflict that has been called a genocide.
This deal includes a phased release of hostages and prisoners, a halt in hostilities, and humanitarian aid will flow freely, according to U.S. President Joe Biden.
The Israel-Hamas conflict reignited on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a surprise attack on southern Israel, resulting in more than 1,200 Israeli deaths and the abduction of more than 250 people.
In response, Israel initiated a new military campaign against the Gaza Strip, aiming to dismantle Hamas’s infrastructure. This led to widespread and significant destruction in Gaza, with more than 46,000 Palestinian people reported dead.
International efforts to broker ceasefires were largely unsuccessful until a recent agreement facilitated by mediators, including Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, was revealed to media.
“We are hopeful this deal will herald an end to the bloodshed. After more than a year of a brutal military assault and deliberate, systematic blocking of aid by Israeli authorities, this pause is long overdue,” said Sally Abi Khalil, Oxfam’s regional director in the Middle East and North Africa on Wednesday.
“Two million Palestinians, who have survived this heinous war, are now fighting against time to survive.”
Oxfam’s most urgent need is to flow supplies into the region now that the blockade will be lifted, said Abi Khalil.
“The opening of all crossings for aid deliveries is vital. Israel must allow the unhindered flow of aid and restore commercial activity to reach every corner of the besieged enclave to avert famine.”
Canada’s International and Development Relief Foundation said the Rafah border and all crossings need to remain open during the ceasefire.
“Since October 2023, IDRF has consistently advocated for safe and continuous access to Gaza, knowing that closed borders lead to devastating consequences. We remain steadfast in this advocacy, recognizing that access to aid is not a privilege but a fundamental right.”
Deepmala Mahla, CARE’s Global Humanitarian Director, echoed Abi Khalil’s comments, calling the situation in Gaza an “overwhelming tide of suffering.”
She also called for a moment to remember those who have been trying to help.
“Today, we honor the memory of the hundreds of humanitarian workers who were killed doing their duty of trying to help those in need and hope that this ceasefire will allow us to adequately address the immense and catastrophic needs.”
“Devastating images of Gaza have been circulating for years,” said the National Council of Canadian Muslims in response to the news. “Buildings levelled to the ground, tens of thousands of people killed, among them more than 17,500 children.
“But we are grateful for a sliver of hope that people stop dying.”
The group said Canada should continue to call for justice and for the parties responsible to be held accountable.
“We will continue to pray. To stand. To hold each other close.”
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