Campaigners welcome Gaza ceasefire agreement as a 'first step'

Bombed building in Gaza 2014 - image CBCEW

Aid agencies and peace campaigners have welcomed news of the Gaza ceasefire, but warn that there is a long road to recovery ahead. They point out that the current agreement is deeply flawed and does not offer Palestinians a just or lasting peace.

Reacting to news that the first phase of a ceasefire agreement has been reached between Israel and Hamas, Elizabeth Funnell, CAFOD Country representative for Middle East, said: "Today's announcement will bring immense relief to those waiting for news of their loved ones, and much needed respite to Palestinians in Gaza. This is a moment of hope and opportunity. Partners in Gaza told us this morning, 'It is good news. A first step, we have to rejoice about this'.

"After two years of almost constant bombardment, a ceasefire will bring moments of quiet, to simply breathe or to begin to grieve for all that has been lost. There needs to be a massive increase in aid now into Gaza with unimpeded access to food, water and healthcare to reverse the spread of famine and malnutrition.

"Bringing an end to hostilities and releasing all hostages is a vital first step, but we must not imagine that this is the end. The UK Government and international community must use all levers to ensure accountability for all violations of international and humanitarian law. The occupation of Palestinian territory must end.

"There is a long road to recovery ahead and the hard work to ensure a long term, sustainable and just peace must begin now."

Anton Asfar, Secretary General of CAFOD partner, Caritas Jerusalem (CJ), expressed his deep relief and hope upon hearing the news of the agreement to end the war and release prisoners, detainees, and abductees from both sides:

"All our colleagues in Gaza are overjoyed with the news, and they are very keen on helping all those afflicted by the war - the patients, the casualties, and the grief-stricken in Gaza. In the coming phase, we are looking forward to rebuilding people's souls in the Holy Land, and specifically in Gaza."

William Bell, Head of Middle East Policy & Advocacy at Christian Aid, said: "At long last, this news will offer people in Gaza respite from the relentless bombardment, displacement and deprivation they have endured for the last two years.

"It is good for the hostages, ending the torment for them and their families, and it is a recognition of the massive scale of aid that is now needed in Gaza.

William Bell added: "While some will claim this as a historic day, the litmus test will be addressing the root causes of this conflict. Returning to the old status quo will doom Palestinians and Israelis to more tragedy.

"A sustainable peace is more than the absence of violence. It means ending the occupation of all Palestinian territory - including the West Bank and East Jerusalem - full accountability and treating Palestinians and Israelis as equals.

"As our partners move to upscale our humanitarian response, we appeal to world leaders to provide the energy, commitment and principle needed to deliver justice, dignity and prosperity for all."

Hani Askari, who works for Christian Aid's partner, Palestinian Centre for Human Rights, told the charity he "can't find the emotions to fit". Hani said: "Part of it is relief and the other part is a heavy ache," the 35-year-old who is displaced from northern Gaza and currently living in Deir Al-Balah, said.

"There's a sea of pain that doesn't get traded or released.

"Yes, hope flickers for a moment but the exhaustion, the loss, and the fear will still sit deep inside."

Christian Aid's local partners are providing psychological support, medical relief and community-led initiatives such as food, shelter, sanitation and cash. Thanks to the generosity of Christian Aid supporters, Christian Aid has raised over £2.2m and helped nearly one million people.

Stop the War convenor Lindsey German said: "This peace deal may bring short term relief to the starving Palestinian people but no one should be fooled that this is anything approaching a just or lasting peace. Rushed through to enable Trump's egotistical desire to win the Nobel Peace Prize, it takes any agency away from ordinary Palestinians and places it in the hands of a bunch of self-appointed administrators who will run Gaza.

"Incredibly, a key player will be the totally discredited Tony Blair, who presided along with George Bush over an invasion and occupation of Iraq which claimed over one million lives.

"While we can all welcome an end to the immediate bombardment and military attacks in Gaza, there is every reason to continue to demonstrate on Saturday, which promises to be one of our largest protests ever. Even if the deal sticks it is not about freedom for Palestine, it will not result in prosecution for those responsible for genocide, it will not right the many injustices begun with the Nakba in 1948.

"Staying in the streets is the best way to continue to fight for an end to the apartheid state, to the genocide and brutality, and to the lack of democracy which will give the Palestinians no real voice. While a ceasefire is a first step, justice and freedom for the Palestinians remains our goal. Which is why Saturday is such an important demo and why everyone who can should be there."